Nov/Dec 2023 GLE

November/December 2023

MICHIGAN

COUNTRY LINES Great Lakes Energy Cooperative

Santa Claus Here Comes

Michigan’s Internationally Recognized Santa School

Youth Tour Adventures Await

Finding A Firm Foundation

Proposed Rate Changes

WATERFURNACE UNITS QUALIFY FOR A 30% FEDERAL TAX CREDIT 1

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YOUR LOCAL WATERFURNACE DEALERS

CO-OP REBATE INCENTIVES

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

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

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

Bad Axe/Ubly Cutting Edge Htg & Clg (989) 551-0986

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

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

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

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

Mancelona Top Notch Htg, Clg, & Geothermal (231) 350-8052 Topnotchheatandair.com

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

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

Traverse City D&W Mechanical (231) 941-1251 dwmechanical.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 Hart Adams Htg & Clg (231) 873-2665 adamsheating cooling.com

Cloverland: up to $4,200 Great Lakes: up to $3,000 Homeworks/Tri-County: up to $3,000 Presque Isle: up to $2,700 Cherryland: up to $2,500 Thumb Electric: up to $2,000 Alger Delta: up to $2,000

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

visit us at waterfurnace.com/mi

WaterFurnace is a registered trademark of WaterFurnace International, Inc. ©2023 1.ENERGY STAR rated units qualify for 30% through 2032, 26% through 2033 and 22% through 2034

Contents Michigan’s Electric Cooperatives

countrylines.com

November/December 2023 Vol. 43, No. 10

/michigancountrylines

/michigancountrylines

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 Tri-County 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.

Statement of Ownership, Management and Circulation (Required by U.S.C. 3685) 1. Publication: Michigan Country Lines. 2. Publication No.: 591-710. 3. Filing date: 10/1/23.

4. Issue frequency: monthly, except Aug. and Dec. 5. No. of issues published annually: 10. 6. Complete mailing address of office of publication: Michigan Electric Cooperative Association, 201 Townsend St., Ste. 900, Lansing, MI 48933. 7. Complete mailing address of headquarters of publisher: 201 Townsend St., Ste. 900, Lansing, MI 48933. 8. Full names and complete mailing address of publisher, editors, and executive editor: Craig Borr, Christine Dorr, Casey Clark, 201 Townsend St., Ste. 900, Lansing, MI 48933. 9. Owner: Michigan Electric Cooperative Assoc., 201 Townsend St., Ste. 900, Lansing, MI 48933. 10. Known bondholders, mortgagees, and other security holders owning or holding 1% or more of total amount of bonds, mortgages, or other securities: None. 11. Tax status: has not been changed.

12. Issue date for circulation data: Sept. 2023. 13. Extent and nature of circulation: Avg # of copies Actual # of copies of single issues each issue during preceding 12 mo. published nearest to filing date A) Total No. of copies................................. 246,919 ...................... 245,458 B) Paid and requested circulation ............ 246,070 ...................... 244,765 C) Total paid and requested circulation ... 246,070 ...................... 244,765 D) 1) Free distribution by mail.......................... 157 .............................. 132 2) Free distribution outside mail ................. 849 .............................. 693 E) Total free distribution ................................1,006 .............................. 825 F) Total distribution................................... 247,925 ...................... 245,590 G) Copies not distributed.......................................0 ...................................0 H) Total ....................................................... 247,925 ...................... 245,590 I) Percent paid and/or requested circ.......... 99.7% .......................... 99.9%

16. Publication of statement of ownership: November 2023 17. Signature and title of editor: Christine Dorr, editor

#micoopcommunity Instagram contest winner

“The most beautiful things are not perfect, they are special.” Bob Marley. @michianaadventures

6 MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES

NOW HAS A COOKBOOK Find out how to order your copy of "Best of Michigan Country Lines Cookbook."

10 MI CO-OP KITCHEN

Family Favorites: easy meals that will please even your pickiest eaters.

14 HERE COMES SANTA CLAUS Michigan's internationally recognized Santa School.

18 ENERGY ASSISTANCE

PROGRAMS FOR 2023–2024

MI Co-op Community

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

Instagram Contest

Use #micoopcommunity for a chance to be featured here and on our Instagram account.

Win $100 for photos published!

Recipe Contest

See details on page 10. Best Layered Cakes due Dec. 1; Soups & Stews due Jan. 1; Stir Fries & Curries due Feb. 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!

Where In Michigan Is This?

Win a $100 energy bill credit!

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

Sept. 2023 Winner! Our Mystery Photo winner is David Heidenreich, a Great Lakes Energy Cooperative member, who correctly identified the University of Michigan Law Library in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

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

MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES

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gtlakes.com /greatlakesenergy /jointruestream BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Howard Bowersox, Chairman, District 8 219-670-0977 hbowersox@glenergy.com

Maintaining Reliable Service

Mark Carson, Vice Chairman, District 2 231-675-0561 mcarson@glenergy.com Paul Byl, Secretary, District 7 231-861-5911 pbyl@glenergy.com

Dale Farrier, Treasurer, District 5 231-564-0853 dfarrier@glenergy.com

Janet Andersen, Director, District 6 231-690-4622 jandersen@glenergy.com David Coveyou, Director, District 1 231-347-4056 dcoveyou@glenergy.com Richard Evans, Director, District 3 231-883-3146 revans@glenergy.com John LaForge, Director, District 9 269-623-2284 jlaforge@glenergy.com

Shelly Shepherd, Director, District 4 989-290-5994 sshepherd@glenergy.com PRESIDENT/CEO: Shaun Lamp 888-485-2537 COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR: Brett Streby 231-487-1389 • bstreby@glenergy.com BOYNE CITY HEADQUARTERS 1323 Boyne Ave. Boyne City, MI 49712

Call center hours: 7 a.m.–5:30 p.m. M–F Phone: 888-485-2537 Email: glenergy@glenergy.com

Shaun Lamp, Great Lakes Energy President/CEO

H

aving a warm, safe place to call home is important to all of us. Helping you, our members, meet this most basic of human needs is why we come to work each day.

At GLE, we know the critical role we play in keeping our members’ homes up and running. That’s why continuing to provide reliable service is at the heart of what we do. We also understand that, just like keeping your home wellmaintained takes time and money, GLE must make substantial investments to provide a reliable electric system for our members. To maintain the high level of reliability our members depend on, it’s important that we take steps to ensure GLE remains operationally and fiscally sound.

As part of these efforts, GLE regularly reviews the rates it charges for electric service. As a not-for-profit, member-owned cooperative, our goal is to provide electric service that is both affordable and reliable. To do that, it is imperative that we evaluate the cooperative’s current and long-term needs. In an era of rapidly increasing costs, we must be prepared to replace aging equipment and infrastructure, for storm restoration costs, and to adapt to a quickly changing and modernizing industry.

During these regular rate reviews, we evaluate all components of rates that appear on your electric bill. One component is tied to how much electricity you use each month measured in kilowatt hours (kWh). The other component is the fixed monthly charge that is the same each month regardless of how much electricity you use. In simple terms, the per-kilowatt-hour rate accounts for the cost of your electric consumption, while the fixed monthly charge pays for the cost of making sure the electricity gets to you.

TO REPORT AN OUTAGE: Call 888-485-2537 or login to your account at gtlakes.com.

To help ensure we are adequately covering all of the above costs, GLE’s board of directors will be considering a change to both its fixed monthly and per-kWh rates at a special open meeting set for 1 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 21, at our main office in Boyne City. For a residential member using 800 kWh per month, the rate changes would result in about a $9.48 bill increase. If approved, the new rates will go into effect starting with bills issued in February of 2024.

Change of Address: 888-485-2537, ext. 8924

While no one likes paying more on their electric bill any more than they like paying for a new roof on their home, both are important investments in sheltering us against the storms of today and for many years to come.

Great Lakes Energy is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

Please see the story on the next page for more details on the proposed rate changes.

4 NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023

Great Lakes Energy Seeks Rate Increase R

ising power supply costs and inflation are affecting our costs to provide service. In order to balance affordability with sustainable and reliable service, Great Lakes Energy is proposing rate changes that would result in a net increase across all rate classes.

Under the proposed rates, the kWh rate for residential and seasonal members would increase by $0.02202 per kWh, and the fixed monthly charge would increase by $5.00. The

power supply cost recovery factor will decrease by $0.01687 per kWh resulting in a net kWh rate increase of $0.00514.

For the average residential member using 800 kWh per month, these changes equate to a $9.48 monthly increase.

The increase, although small, would raise revenues to provide sufficient funding levels for maintaining reliable electric service, providing adequate

margins, and ensuring members receive the service they need to power their homes and businesses.

The co-op’s board of directors will consider adoption of the proposed rate changes at an open member meeting at 1 p.m. on Nov. 21 at our main office in Boyne City. (see related notice). If approved, the new rates would take effect on bills rendered in February 2024.

Proposed Adjustments For Residential And Seasonal Members

Net kWh rate change:

$0.00514

Notice to Members of Great Lakes Energy Cooperative A Board Meeting is set for Nov. 21 at 1 p.m. at Great Lakes Energy Headquarters The board of directors will consider changes to the cooperative’s rates at its meeting on Nov. 21, 2023, to be held at Great Lakes Energy, 1323 Boyne Ave., Boyne City, MI. The meeting will start at 1 p.m. and is open to all members of Great Lakes Energy Cooperative. Members will have an opportunity to address the board on the proposed changes prior to board action.

The following items will be considered: 1. Great Lakes Energy is seeking to increase revenues through rate changes that will result in a net increase of $0.00514 per kilowatt-hour (kWh) and an increase of $5.00 to the monthly charge for residential/seasonal members. Rate changes for all other rate classifications will also be proposed.

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 handicapped parking. Persons needing any accommodation to participate should contact Great Lakes Energy at 888-485-2537, ext. 1387, a week in advance to request mobility, visual, hearing, or other assistance. Comments may also be made before the meeting date by email at glenergy@glenergy.com.

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

Notice to Members of Great Lakes Energy Cooperative Tariffs Changes Effective on or after Dec. 1, 2023 The Great Lakes Energy Electric Cooperative Board of Directors, at its regular monthly meeting on Sept. 27, 2023, took the following actions: • Revised tariff language to add Data Privacy Tariff language.

• Revised tariff language to add “Payment method” to the listed definitions.

For specific details on changes to Great Lakes Energy’s tariffs, please call us at 1-888-485-2537 or visit our website at gtlakes.com.

MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES

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Discover the Magic of the Michigan Country Lines Cookbook!

Step into a world of culinary wonder with our exclusive cookbook, carefully curated from the finest recipes generously shared by our state’s electric cooperative members over the past decade. This cookbook isn’t just about food; it’s a celebration of the joys of cooking and community.

$27.98 on Amazon and countrylines.com 6 NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023

COOKING FOR A CAUSE All proceeds from the sales of this cookbook will be donated to two deserving Michigan charities: 1. Feeding America Local Food Banks: Ensuring that those in our community never go without nourishing meals and food security.

2. Cooperative Family Fund: Offering vital support to the children of electric cooperative employees who face the loss of a parent while actively employed at a cooperative.

Make this holiday season delicious and memorable by ordering your copies and spreading the warmth of community.

Order now in time for the holidays!

Scan the QR code to embark on your culinary journey.

Please allow 7–10 days for shipping.

MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES

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3

AMAGE TO HOME D APPLIANCES AND HOME ELECTRONICS

Another good reason to make sure a transfer switch is installed and used when your home’s generator is operating is that serious electrical damage could result to electronics and appliances in your home if power from the generator and Great Lakes Energy both flow into your home at the same time.

4

Safe Generator Use Tips When winter's winds begin to blow each year, they bring with them the chilling thought of power outages.

While Great Lakes Energy crews always work as quickly as they safely can to restore power following a storm, for some people, making the investment in a generator that can keep the lights on and some appliances running until electric service is restored is reassuring. For less than $1,000, a portable generator can provide just enough power to keep some essentials running. For a more sizable investment, a standby generator can automatically turn on to provide nearly all your home’s electric needs until electric service can be restored.

While having a generator can be a blessing in the event of a power outage, it’s important to be aware of several very important safety considerations ahead of time. It could be a matter of life and death.

Below are the top five safety considerations to keep in mind when it comes to generator use during a power outage.

1

Do not connect a portable generator yourself to your home wiring. You should hire a licensed electrician to properly install a transfer switch that will isolate your home’s electrical system from the outside electrical grid when your generator is in use.

GLE does not install transfer switches.

Contact a licensed electrician for more information on available products and installation services.

DON’T DO IT YOURSELF

8 NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023

2

If not properly isolated from the outside electrical grid by a transfer switch, electricity from a generator connected to a home’s wiring system can flow back into the power lines, endangering the lives of those working to restore your power. Downed power lines can become energized, endangering family members and neighbors nearby.

Always assume a downed power line is energized and keep clear.

ELECTRIC SHOCK RISK TO LINEWORKERS OR OTHERS

Especially for portable models, be sure not to overload a generator. This can lead to overheating and poses a fire hazard. Also, do not refuel the generator until it has cooled off.

If you don’t wait until it's cooled, you could cause an explosion.

5

FIRE RISK

EWARE OF DEADLY B CARBON MONOXIDE POISONING

Again, this warning is mainly directed at portable generator models. Operate the generator outdoors and protect it from rain and other moisture. Invest in a nonflammable cover to keep it dry. The generator should be at least 25 feet away from the house and away from doors, windows, and vents. Operating a generator in a garage can result in the buildup of deadly carbon monoxide.

For additional generator safety tips, visit gtlakes.com/poweroutages. If you have a generator, please contact GLE at (888) 485-2537 to let us know so we can add a note to your account.

GLE PHOTO CONTEST

Celebrations

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1

3

4

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Enter to win a $200 energy bill credit!

Submit Your “Travel Around The World” Photos By Nov. 20 Each month, members can submit photos on our website for our photo contest. The photo with the most votes is published here, along with other selections.

Our Nov./Dec. theme is Travel Around The World. Photos can be submitted

by Nov. 20 to be featured in the February issue.

How To Enter

Enter the contest at gtlakes.com/photocontest/. Make sure to vote and encourage others to vote for you, too. The photo receiving the most votes will be printed in an issue of Michigan Country Lines along with other favorites. All photos printed in the magazine in 2024 will be entered into a drawing to win a $200 bill credit in December 2024.

6 MOST VOTES! 1. Centennial celebrations on the farm, Lynne Jutila, Stanwood 2. Celebrate the special anniversary, Beth Fiedorowicz, Baldwin 3.Grandma celebrates 97, Mary Card, Petoskey 4. BD parties call for big celebrations, Faith Sellers, Holland 5. Celebrating 4th of July, Chris Reed, Manistee 6. July 4th celebration on Beaver Island, Donald Masini, Beaver Island MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES

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MI CO-OP Recipes

FAMILY FAVORITES Easy meals that will please even your pickiest eaters

WINNING RECIPE! EASY ONE-PAN CHICKEN DINNER

Julie Grulke, Presque Isle Electric 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts 2 (15-ounce) cans green beans, drained (or 2 cups fresh green beans, trimmed) 3–4 potatoes, peeled & cubed 1 (4-ounce) stick butter or margarine 1 package dry Italian dressing

Recipe Contest

Preheat oven to 350 F. Spray a 9x13 pan with oil. Place chicken breasts down center of pan. Spread green beans on side of the chicken. Spread the potatoes on the other side of the chicken. Melt the butter and stir in the Italian dressing. Pour liquid over chicken, beans, and potatoes. Bake for 1 hour or until chicken and potatoes are done. Serve and enjoy.

Win a $100 energy bill credit!

Best Layered Cakes due Dec. 1; Soups & Stews due Jan. 1; Stir Fries & Curries due Feb. 1 Submit your favorite recipe for a chance to win a $100 bill credit and have your recipe featured in Country Lines with a photo and a video.

Submit your recipe at micoopkitchen.com, or send it via email (include your full name and co-op) to recipes@countrylines.com.

10 NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023

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

MARVELOUS MUSHROOM WHITE PIZZA Deb Finedell, Great Lakes Energy

1 pound store-bought pizza dough, at room temperature 4 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided 1 pound mixed mushrooms (your choice), sliced ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley 1 teaspoon kosher salt, divided ¾ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, divided ½ cup whole-milk ricotta cheese 4 ounces (1 cup) shredded lowmoisture mozzarella 1 clove garlic, finely chopped

Preheat oven to 450 F with rack in lowest position. On a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, stretch out the dough to a 16x10-inch rectangle. Bake until lightly golden, about 7 minutes. Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add mushrooms and cook, stirring occasionally, until golden, about 12 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in parsley and ½ teaspoon each salt and black pepper. In a medium bowl, stir together the ricotta, mozzarella, garlic, and the remaining 2 tablespoons of oil, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper. Spread over prebaked crust, leaving a 1-inch border. Arrange mushroom mixture on top. Bake until golden, about 12 minutes. Cut and serve. Enjoy!

CAULIFLOWER PARMESAN Luise Bolleber, Cherryland

3 eggs + pinch of salt 3 cups breadcrumbs 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning ¼ teaspoon salt ¼ teaspoon black pepper 1 medium head cauliflower, trimmed, cut into ½-inch thick pieces ½ cup vegetable oil, for frying 5 cups tomato or marinara sauce, divided 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided ½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese Heat oven to 400°F. Place eggs and pinch of salt in a small bowl and beat. Place breadcrumbs in another bowl or a pie plate. Mix the Italian seasoning into the

breadcrumbs and add the salt and black pepper. Dip cauliflower pieces in the eggs, then coat with breadcrumbs. Add some of the oil to a heavy skillet over mediumhigh heat. Fry cauliflower in batches, until golden brown on both sides. Add more oil as needed. Drain cauliflower pieces on a paper towel-lined plate. Spoon some of the sauce over the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking pan. Scatter half of the cauliflower pieces over the sauce. Drizzle some sauce over the cauliflower and sprinkle with half of the mozzarella. Layer the rest of the cauliflower pieces over the cheese, spread with remaining sauce, and sprinkle with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan. Bake about 30 minutes until cheese is golden and sauce is bubbling. Let cool 5 minutes before serving.

CABBAGE ROLLS Sandy Preston

1 egg, beaten ½ cup milk ¼ cup onion, finely chopped 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce ¾ teaspoon salt ¹⁄ 8 teaspoon black pepper 1 pound ground beef or ground venison burger ¾ cup cooked rice 6 large or 12 medium cabbage leaves 2 (10¾-ounce) cans condensed tomato soup 1 tablespoon brown sugar 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

Preheat oven to 350 F. In a bowl, combine egg, milk, onion, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and black pepper. Mix well. Add meat and cooked rice. Mix well. Remove center vein of cabbage leaves, keeping each leaf in one piece. Immerse leaves in boiling water about 3 minutes or until limp; drain.

Place ½ cup meat mixture on each large leaf or ¼ cup mixture on each medium leaf.

Fold in sides, making sure folded sides are included in roll. Arrange in a 12x7x2-inch baking dish. Stir together tomato soup with brown sugar and lemon juice. Pour sauce mixture over cabbage rolls. Bake uncovered for 75 minutes, basting once or twice with sauce.

SIRLOIN TIPS WITH MUSHROOMS Terry Baxter, Great Lakes Energy

1¼ pounds sirloin steak, cubed 2 tablespoons butter, divided 1 tablespoon vegetable oil 1 clove garlic, minced or pressed ¾ pound fresh mushrooms, sliced ¹⁄³ cup beef broth ¹⁄³ cup dry red wine or water 1 teaspoon soy sauce 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard 1 teaspoon cornstarch ½ cup whipping cream • chopped parsley Preheat oven to 300 F. In a wide skillet, brown the meat in 1 tablespoon of butter and the vegetable oil. Add the garlic. As pieces brown, remove meat to casserole dish with a lid. Add remaining 1 tablespoon

butter to the skillet. Add the mushrooms and sauté for 1–2 minutes, then add to the meat. Cover. Bake for 45–50 minutes, until meat is tender. Meanwhile, add broth, wine or water, and soy sauce to the pan in which the meat was browned. Boil, stirring up the “brownings” (meat remnants left over in the pan) until reduced to about half. In a small bowl, blend the mustard, cornstarch, and cream. Add to the pan and boil until thick. Pour the juice from the meat in the casserole dish into the pan. Boil, while whisking, until smooth and thick. Add the meat to the sauce and stir in. Sprinkle with parsley. This can be served over white rice or wide egg noodles. Makes 4 servings.

MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES

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YOUTH TOUR A ONCE-IN-A-LIFETIME OPPORTUNITY

G

reat Lakes Energy is offering four high school students in its service area an exciting opportunity to participate in the Michigan Electric Cooperative Youth Tour in 2024. This all-expenses-paid trip to Washington, D.C., will give students the chance to learn about leadership, civic engagement, and the cooperative spirit.

Participants will explore monuments and museums, meet with a member of Congress, and make lifelong friends with other students from across the country. They will also discover leadership lessons from our nation's history and be immersed in the cooperative spirit that built our nation.

The Youth Tour experience is designed to help students develop their leadership skills, learn about the importance of civic engagement, and find out how they can make a difference in their communities.

12 NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023

BACK ON TOUR The Youth Tour program returned in 2023 following a three-year hiatus because of COVID-19. Great Lakes Energy selected four high school sophomores or juniors from its service area for the June 14−18 trip.

In addition to visiting many memorials, museums, Capitol Hill, the Supreme Court, the White House, and other notable locations, participants in the 2023 program also had the opportunity to attend a Washington Nationals baseball game and to see the Broadway musical “Hadestown.”

MEMORIES IN THE MAKING Sawyer, who is now a junior at Caledonia High School, was among the students GLE sent on the 2023 Youth Tour. She applied for Youth Tour at the suggestion of her mother, who read about it in Country Lines Magazine.

“I thought it was a longshot, but the program sounded really cool, so I thought it was worth taking the time to apply,” Sawyer said.

She said she was especially interested in the trip because she and her class missed out on their eighth-grade East Coast trip because of COVID-19.

Sawyer said it’s difficult for her to pick a favorite among the trip’s many highlights. She said she was surprised to learn that their visit to the Washington Monument would also include an elevator ride 500 feet straight up to the monument’s observation deck.

“It was such a beautiful view,” she said.

She also appreciated the flexibility students were given during their time on the National Mall, allowing them to split up into smaller groups and choose the attractions they wanted to visit.

Fuel Mix Report The fuel mix characteristics of Great Lakes Energy Cooperative as required by Public Act 141 of 2000 for the 12-month period ending 6/30/23.

Comparison Of Fuel Sources Used Fuel source

Coal

Your co-op’s fuel mix

Regional average fuel mix

19.884%

33.472%

Oil

0.254%

0.476%

Gas

18.917%

29.441%

Hydroelectric

0.513%

0.873%

Nuclear

41.334%

25.901%

Renewable Fuels

19.098%

9.837%

Biofuel

0.324%

0.662%

Biomass

0.183%

0.417%

Solar

1.067%

0.766%

Solid Waste Incineration

0.084%

0.011%

Wind

17.233%

7.567%

Wood

0.207%

0.414%

NOTE: Biomass excludes wood; solid waste incineration includes landfill gas; and wind includes a long-term renewable purchase power contract in Wolverine’s mix.

Your Co-op’s Fuel Mix

Another 2023 Youth Tour participant was Jürgen, who is now a senior at Ellsworth Community School. He had been interested in Youth Tour ever since he heard about the experience from his older brother, who took part in the program in 2019.

He said he enjoyed visiting the many national monuments and other sites and noted he was particularly moved by witnessing the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery.

Both Sawyer and Jürgen said they especially enjoyed making friends with the other students on the Youth Tour.

“I think one of the best things about it was meeting all the other kids from around the country who were our age and who place the same kind of importance on academics and leadership,” Jürgen said.

Sawyer said the tradition of swapping pins with students from other states makes for a great icebreaker. She was particularly proud of achieving her goal of getting pins from all of the cooperatives in Texas.

HOW TO APPLY: he 2024 Youth Tour will T take place June 18–23. To be eligible, applicants must be high school sophomores or juniors during the 2023–24 school year and their parents or guardians must be GLE members. The application process typically includes an essay, a letter of recommendation, and an interview.

The application deadline is Jan. 12.

To apply for the 2024 Youth Tour, visit cooperativeyouthtour.com/ apply-now/.

For questions about Youth Tour, please email glenergy@glenergy.com or call (888) 485-2537, ext. 8957.

Regional Average Fuel Mix

Emissions And Waste Comparison lbs/MWh

Type of emission/waste

Your co-op

Regional average*

Sulfur Dioxide

0.50

0.92

Carbon Dioxide

634.8

1,061.3

Oxides of Nitrogen

0.43

0.84

High-Level Nuclear Waste

0.0094

0.0060

* Regional average information was obtained from the MPSC website and is for the 12-month period ending 12/31/22. Great Lakes Energy purchases 100% of its electricity from Wolverine Power Supply Cooperative, Inc., which provided this fuel mix and environmental data.

MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES 13

Santa C laus Here Comes

MICHIGAN’S INTERNATIONALLY RECOGNIZED SANTA SCHOOL

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By Emily Haines Lloyd || Photos provided by Midland Daily News; cover photo provided by Steam Railroad Institute

n a cozy cottage nestled in Midland, Michigan, between 25,000-30,000 people come each Christmas season to visit Santa and Mrs. Claus at the— appropriately named—Santa House.

The structure, reminiscent of a life-size gingerbread house painted in merry colors with a steep, slanted roof (perfect for reindeer takeoffs), draws first-time visitors as well as multi-generational families who want to immerse themselves in the holiday spirit.

However, just a couple of months before the doors open to Santa House

14 NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023

and usher in the Christmas spirit, a different crowd of visitors gathers around for three days to attend something equally magical— Santa School.

The original Santa School started in 1937 outside of Albion, New York. It was owned by Charles W. Howard, a farmer who just happened to moonlight as Santa Claus in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade from 1948-1965. He wanted to teach future Santas about bringing the holiday spirit to children and adults alike.

In the 1960s, the school was taken over by Nate Done, who eventually moved to Bay City, Michigan, where the program started with just two students that first year. One of those first students was Tom Valent.

Twenty years later, it would be Tom who passed on the traditions he learned that weekend to entirely new generations of Santas.

It was 1986 when Tom and his wife Holly (yes, that’s her given name!) took over Santa School, keeping the tradition alive and passing on those Kris Kringle-esque lessons. Shortly

“ It’s not like any other business I can think of.

We are literally fueled by Christmas spirit, and it’s been our privilege to share that with the Santas, as well as the community, for all these years.” afterward, they moved to Midland, where they have continued to host would-be Santas every year since.

“We both really believe in the spirit and magic of Christmas,” said Holly.

“But for Tom, it has been a calling. He has always understood that the time you spend with a child as Santa will stay with them their whole lives.”

It’s this very philosophy the Valents impart to their nearly 300 Santa students in the three-day curriculum.

Teachers, doctors, farmers, actors, coal miners, and truck drivers, amongst others, have come from all over, including 46 states and three countries. Their backgrounds may be different, but their mission is the same—to embody the heart of Santa.

“Our job is helping our students to be well-rounded Santas. We want them to feel confident, to feel like Santa,” said Holly. “Graduation can be pretty emotional for everyone. This experience is transformational.”

For students, the experience involves everything from studying the history

ta Lessons San The spirit & heart of Santa

of Saint Nicholas and Santa Claus to finding their own signature suits. They have help from professionals who teach makeup, wig, and beard (for those without real ones) application.

There is plenty of attention placed on singing and presentation skills, as well as a Santa Sign Language class to help make every child feel included.

Legends & Facts

“It’s a full weekend filled with different sessions, including making toys in Santa’s workshop,” said Holly. “But also keeping everyone up to date on the latest toys and gadgets on kids’ wish lists.”

Hair, Makeup, & Suits

Between the lessons, the workshops, the off-site trips, and plenty of cookies and milk, these Santas are not only finding their own holiday cheer, but storing up enough to bring the magic of the season to anyone who visits with them.

“It’s not like any other business I can think of,” said Holly. “We are literally fueled by Christmas spirit, and it’s been our privilege to share that with the Santas, as well as the community, for all these years.”

Charles W. Howard History Singing with Children The North Pole & Elves

Reindeer Dancing Toy Making Sleigh riding

santaclausschool.com CWHSantaClausSchool cwhsantaschool

MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES

15

Finding Firm Footing Building a solid foundation is a crucial first step for just about any project.

K

ristin Molby of Bellaire-based Free Rein Farm knows the same holds true for a person’s mental health journey. Thanks in part to a recent Great Lakes Energy People Fund grant, clients of Kristin’s equine assisted learning program will have a little firmer footing as they follow their path to healing.

For about the past four years, Kristin and her husband Troy have been helping people facing mental and emotional struggles to find freedom and healing from issues such as depression, trauma, anxiety, relationship issues, anger, grief, low self-esteem, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Their primary tools for this mission are horses and miniature donkeys.

Saddle serenity The mental and emotional help Free Rein Farm offers is a far cry from the in-office sessions many people associate with getting help with these issues. Although the farm offers services to people of any age, most of its clients are children, teens, and young adults.

“The sessions are very hands-on and tailored specifically for each client,” Kristin said. “The goal is to allow people to decompress and find a path back to peace.”

Sessions at the farm can involve everything from caring for the animals, petting them, walking with them, talking to them, trail rides, and even finger painting on a horse.

16 NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023

“Just being around animals, or the mere act of caring for the horse, walking around with them, brushing them, can bring peace and calm for many people,” Kristin said.

The animals often serve as a conduit for people— especially children—to open up about their struggles.

Some clients will share their thoughts, feelings, and stories with the animals.

“They will connect with something on the farm, and it might surprise you. It might be a particular duck, donkey, or horse,” Kristin said.

And for some clients, there’s self-confidence to be found in riding a horse.

“Someone who is struggling with low self-esteem might say to themselves, ‘If I can get a 1,200-pound animal to do what I want it to do, I can do anything,’” Kristin said.

Donkeys on duty While a donkey might seem like an unusual complement to an equine-based learning program, Kristin said their smaller size and low-key demeanor are ideal for younger children because they are less intimidating and move much slower.

“The donkeys have a peace and a calm you don’t find in many other animals,” she said.

One of the farm’s donkeys, “Chewy,” is a favorite among many of the children.

“Chewy knows a lot of secrets that they don’t want to tell anyone else. He’s got that old and wise persona. He just has that ‘Eeyore’ personality,” Kristin said.

She recalled one client who wasn’t able to directly share what was troubling him with other people, but he was able to “speak through the donkey.”

“He would use Chewy as a conduit, speaking for him. That provided him with an outlet that wasn’t there before,” Kristin said.

A foundation grant In the spring of 2023, the People Fund awarded a $1,500 grant to Free Rein Farm to help pay for the installation of a new floor in the farm’s equine therapy barn.

Previously the barn floor was sand, which Kristin said didn’t provide solid footing for the animals or the clients, was dusty, and was hard on the horse’s tack.

The new floor, which was installed in late May, is made up of composted rubber reclaimed from old tires. Troy said the change has made a big difference, providing a more stable surface that still provides some cushioning. The reduction in dust and tack maintenance has also been notable, he said.

Kristin said the new floor’s firmer footing also serves as a great metaphor for what’s at the heart of her passion: suicide prevention.

Kristin, who is a lifelong animal lover, had her first experience with an equine-based program when she was going through some struggles of her own. Seeing those results firsthand inspired her to pursue starting a program of her own. She is now a certified facilitator in faith-based equine-assisted philosophy. She has also completed applied suicide intervention skills training and is a Safetalk (Suicide Alertness for Everyone) facilitator through LivingWorks. That means that not only is she equipped to help people who are in a crisis, but she also trains others to do the same.

Kristin said she’s come to view all of the help Free Rein Farm provides for clients as a means of suicide prevention.

“If we work with a child or teenager who is struggling with any of these issues and we provide them with the tools to deal with those feelings and find their way back to peace, it sets a good foundation for that person to be equipped to deal with future struggles,” Kristin said.

Anyone who thinks they, or someone they know, may benefit from the services Free Rein Farm offers can contact Kristin via email at Kristin.FreeRein@gmail.com, or by phone at (231) 633-4230. More information is also available on the farm’s website at freereinfarm.org.

The grant for Free Rein Farm is just one of many the People Fund awarded this year thanks to the generosity of GLE members who agree to have their electric bills rounded up to the next whole dollar each month. That money is pooled with contributions from other participating members to provide grants that truly make a difference in the communities GLE serves.

MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES 17

Energy Assistance Programs 2023-2024 Season Winter Protection Plan

Low-Income Weatherization Assistance Program

Contact: Local Utility Company

Contact: Local Community Action Agency

Income Guidelines 2023–2024 # in Household

1 2 3 4

150% Poverty Guide Maximum Income

# in Household

$21,870 29,580 37,290 45,000

5 6 7 8

Add $7,710 for each additional household member.

150% Poverty Guide Maximum Income

$52,710 60,420 68,130 75,840

The Winter Protection Plan (WPP) protects enrolled seniors and low-income customers from service shut-offs and high utility bill payments during the winter months. If you are eligible, your utility service will remain on (or restored with the WPP) from Nov. 1 through March 31, if you: • pay at least 7% of your estimated annual bill each month, and • make equal monthly payments between the date you apply and the start of the next heating season on any past-due bills.

When the protection period ends (March 31), you must begin to pay the full monthly bill, plus part of the amount you owe from the winter months when you did not pay the full bill. Participation does not relieve customers from the responsibility of paying for electricity and natural gas usage, but does prevent shut-off during winter months. You qualify for the plan if you meet at least one of the following requirements: • are age 65 or older, • receive Dept. of Health and Human Services cash assistance, including SSI, • receive Food Assistance, • receive Medicaid, or • household income is at or below the 150% of poverty level shown in the Income Guidelines chart above.

Senior citizen customers who participate in the WPP are not required to make specific payments to ensure that their service will not be shut off between Nov. 1 and March 31.

Service for seniors can be restored without any payments.

Note: All customers 65+ are eligible regardless of income. Customers are responsible for all electricity and natural gas used. At the end of the protection period, participants must make arrangements with their utility company to pay off any money owed before the next heating season.

Home Heating Credit

0–1 2 3 4

Max. Income

$16,038 21,692 27,346 33,000

United Way Contact: Call 2-1-1 or UWmich.org/2-1-1 2-1-1 is a free phone service operating 24 hours daily to provide information about help that may be available in a particular area with utilities and other needs. Dial 2-1-1 or visit mi211.org to find available services.

Medical Emergency Protection Contact: Local Utility Company You are protected from service shut-off for nonpayment of your natural gas and/or electric bill for up to 21 days, possibly extending to 63 days, if you have a proven medical emergency. You must provide written proof from a doctor or a public health or social services official that a medical condition exists. Contact your gas or electric utility for details.

Shut-off Protection For Military Active Duty Contact: Local Utility Company If you or your spouse has been called into active military duty, you may apply for shut-off protection from your electric or natural gas service for up to 90 days. You may request extensions. You must still pay, but contact your utility company and they will help you set up a payment plan.

Michigan Veterans Trust Fund Emergency Grant Program Contact: MI Veterans Trust Fund

Contact: Michigan Dept. of Treasury # Exemp.

You may be able to receive help with weatherizing your home to reduce energy use if you meet low-income eligibility guidelines (200% of poverty guidelines) or if you participate in the Dept. of Health and Human Services Family Independence Program or receive SSI. Weatherization may include caulking, weather-stripping, and insulation. Contact your local Community Action Agency for details. Visit mcaaa.org to find one in your area.

# Exemp.

5 6 7 8

Add $5,654 for each exemption over 8.

Max. Income

$38,654 44,308 49,962 55,616

You can apply for a Home Heating Credit for the 2023 tax year if you meet the income guidelines listed above (110% of poverty level) or you qualify based on alternate guidelines including household income, exemptions, and heating costs. Additional exemptions are available for seniors, disabled claimants, or claimants with 5% or more of their income from unemployment compensation.

If you qualify, you may receive assistance to help pay for your winter heating bills. Forms are available mid-to-late January, wherever tax forms are provided or from the Michigan Dept. of Treasury (517-636-4486 or michigan.gov/treasury). The Home Heating Credit claim form must be filed with the Michigan Dept. of Treasury no later than Sept. 30 each year.

State Emergency Relief Program (SER) Contact: Local Michigan Dept. of Health and Human Services (DHHS), michigan.gov/mdhhs You do not have to be a DHHS client to apply for help with a past-due bill, shut-off notice, or the need for deliverable fuel through the SER. This program, available Nov. 1–May 31, provides most of its utility assistance during this crisis season. However, limited assistance is available outside the crisis season.

If you receive a DHHS cash grant, you may use part of it toward heat and electric bills. Apply online at the MI Bridges website: Michigan.gov/mibridges.

The Trust Fund provides temporary assistance to veterans and their families facing a financial emergency or hardship, including the need for energy assistance. Contact the Michigan Veterans Trust Fund at 800-642-4838 or michiganveterans.com.

Michigan Homeowner Assistance Fund (MIHAF) Administering Agency: Michigan State Housing Development Authority Contact: Michigan State Housing Development Authority, www.michigan.gov/mshda or 844-756-4423 The MIHAF provides funds to customers with assistance preventing homeowner mortgage delinquencies, defaults, foreclosure, loss of utilities or home energy services, and displacement. Applicants must demonstrate financial hardship directly related to COVID-19 on or after Jan. 21, 2020.

MI Energy Assistance Program Contact: Utility or 2-1-1 in late November: https://mihaf.michigan.gov/p/home or 844-756-4423.

The Michigan Energy Assistance Program (MEAP) includes services that will enable participants to become self-sufficient, including assisting participants in paying their energy bills on time, budgeting for and contributing to their ability to provide for energy expenses, and being energy efficient. Shut-off protection is provided Nov. 1–April 15 for all residential customers. The MEAP is supported by the state’s Low-Income Energy Assistance Fund (LIEAF).

An electric utility that chooses not to collect for the LIEAF shall not shut off service to customers for nonpayment between Nov. 1 and April 15. For a list of electric providers that opt out of collecting the LIEAF, go to michigan.gov/energygrants.

Dial 2-1-1 for more information on heating and other human services programs.

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