Nov/Dec 2023 HomeWorks by Country Lines

November/December 2023

MICHIGAN

COUNTRY LINES HomeWorks Tri-County Electric Cooperative

Santa Claus Here Comes

Michigan’s Internationally Recognized Santa School

Apply For Youth Tour, Grants, & Scholarships

Co-op Members Featured In Country Lines Cookbook

Support The People Fund This Season

WATERFURNACE UNITS QUALIFY FOR A 30% FEDERAL TAX CREDIT 1

Smart homeowners around the world have scrapped their old furnaces and air conditioners and replaced them with a WaterFurnace geothermal comfort system. That’s because WaterFurnace geothermal systems use the clean, renewable energy in your own backyard to provide savings up to 70% on heating, cooling and hot water. You won’t need that old inefficient furnace or that unsightly outdoor air conditioner because a WaterFurnace system provides complete comfort for your home with a single unit. And because the system doesn’t burn fossil fuels, there are no fumes or carbon monoxide concerns. Make the smart switch to geothermal. Contact your local WaterFurnace dealer today to learn more. 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

Contents Michigan’s Electric Cooperatives

countrylines.com

November/December 2023 Vol. 43, No. 10

/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

/homeworks.org

You Can Give The Gift Of Hope This Christmas Season

tricoenergy@homeworks.org

By Michelle Huhn, Executive Assistant

homeworks.org

Portland office/Mail payments to: 7973 E. Grand River Ave. Portland, MI 48875 Open 8 a.m.–4 p.m. Monday–Friday

Blanchard office: 3681 Costabella Ave. Blanchard, MI 49310 Open 8 a.m.–4 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: 1-877-999-3395

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 616-693-2449 • 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

henever someone asks me what my favorite part of my job is as executive assistant at HomeWorks Tri-County Electric, the answer is easy: I love the work I get to do administering our Co-op’s Tri-County People Fund. In this role, I get the opportunity to see firsthand the real difference our members are helping us to make for families and organizations in need throughout our service area.

The People Fund is supported by members who volunteer to participate in our Operation Round Up program. As its name suggests, this program rounds up participating members’ monthly HomeWorks bill to the nearest dollar. 100% of those rounded-up funds are then granted back out to individuals, families, and organizations with special needs within the communities we serve. You might find it hard to believe, but since the People Fund was founded in 1993, we’ve been able to take your rounded-up dollars, which averages out to just $6 per member annually, and give back more than $2.6 million in rural mid-Michigan! Our grants are dispersed by our volunteer People Fund board that consists of seven directors, one from each HomeWorks district. Every six weeks or so, these generous souls come together to pore over the grant applications we receive from every corner of our service footprint, detailing the kind of extraordinary needs that can break your heart and make you very glad that we have a way to help. The board responds to requests from families who can’t afford to pay utility bills to keep their home warm due to financial hardships beyond their control, nonprofit organizations striving to stamp out hunger in our local communities, secondary schools and youth sports groups trying to help underprivileged children get started on the right foot, and so much more. And, thanks to generous members like you, our People Fund is able to answer many of those dire needs. As a former HomeWorks customer service representative, I remember that new members calling in to get signed up for electric service would sometimes agree to participate in Operation Round Up with hardly a second thought. “Sure, sign me up,” they would say. “That’s just a little spare change.”

District 5 — Theresa Sopocy 6996 E. Wilson Rd., Bannister, MI 48807 989-292-0295 • tsopocy@homeworks.org

Now that I’ve seen the program from the inside, I’m here to tell you that it’s much more than spare change to our grant recipients. It’s an answered prayer, a sigh of relief, and a newfound hope for the future. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard from our grant recipients how the People Fund money came as a true blessing in their time of need and changed their life for the better.

District 7 — Shirley Sprague 15563 45th Ave., Barryton, MI 49305 989-382-7535 • ssprague@homeworks.org

The holiday season is a time for giving, and if you haven’t opted in to round your bill up for the People Fund yet, I hope you’ll consider doing so now. If you do, I can promise you that our People Fund board and I will make sure to put your monthly donation to good use in the lives of your neighbors in need.

District 6 — Ed Oplinger, Secretary-Treasurer 10890 W. Weidman Rd., Weidman, MI 48893 989-506-1639 • eoplinger@homeworks.org

Editor: C harly Markwart, CCC

Opt in to round up your bill for the People Fund via our SmartHub app, leave us a note on your next payment stub, or give us a call at 800-562-8232.

“I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard from our grant recipients how the People Fund money came as a true blessing in their time of need and changed their life for the better.”

4 NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023

n o i t a r e Op

p U d n u Ro

To Your Neighbors In Need, It’s So Much More Than Spare Change. Give back this Christmas season by opting in to round up your monthly bill for the People Fund. You can sign up via SmartHub, leave us a note on your next pay stub, or give us a call at 800-562-8232.

t f i g e h t e Giv of hope

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

Induction Stoves Aren’t The Same As Electric Stoves–And That’s A Good Thing!

ow many people can really describe the difference between an induction and an electric stove? Sure, they may look similar to the naked eye, but the way they cook and heat food is drastically different— and that’s great news for your home’s safety, your energy bills and, yes, even the consistency and speed of your home cooking.

What makes induction stoves so unique? Unlike traditional stoves, which heat food by radiating heat to your pots and pans using a flame or electric burner, induction stoves use an electromagnetic field to generate heat only in your pot or pan—nowhere else. That means less heat energy is being wasted, and your cooking experience is likely to be more efficient than with the electric or gas burners you might be used to.

Last but not least—they’re safer, too! Induction cooktops, by design, are safer for the average household. That’s because the cooking surface remains cool, as the cookware used is the source of heat itself. Forgetting to turn off a burner might be a thing of the past! Another less obvious safety feature is a lack of natural gas in the home. While gas stoves have been revered for their quick, reliable heating, they’re not without health risks due to indoor air pollution, which could contribute to things such as childhood asthma. Using an induction stove keeps that reliable, powerful cooking, but without any danger to your home’s air quality!

Apply for incentives from HomeWorks

What might this look like? Well, for starters, an induction stovetop can boil water up to 40% faster than its electric or gas counterparts. That’s because, due to the technology involved in how induction stovetops produce heat, they’re able to heat your pan directly, without needing to first heat the coils and glass below or around it. This means more efficient and, yes, more affordable home cooking. And your energy bill should show it!

There’s no better time to make the switch to an induction stove! HomeWorks Tri-County Electric Co-op members can qualify for a $500 incentive when they upgrade to an eligible induction range, stove, or cooktop with at least three burners. For full eligibility information, and to complete your incentive application, visit homeworks.org/eo or call 877-296-4319.

Induction stoves aren't the same as electric—and that's a good thing! They may look similar to the naked eye, but induction stoves offer advantages over electric due to the drastically different way they cook and heat food.  More efficient • Induction stoves generate heat only in your pot or pan via an electromagnetic field, so less heat energy is wasted.  Faster cook time • Because induction stoves heat cookware directly, the contents are heated up faster.  Safer • The cooking surface itself does not get hot—only the area directly under your pot or pan may warm up by absorbing heat from the cookware.  Easier to clean • A cool cooktop means no scrubbing away at burned-on spills.

INDUCTION VS. ELECTRIC

$500 INCENTIVE FOR INDUCTION RANGE/STOVE* V I S I T homeworks.org/eo • C A L L 877.296.4319

*Induction range, stove, or cooktop with a minimum of 3 burners. Limit 1. HomeWorks Energy Optimization programs and incentives are applicable to HomeWorks Tri-County Electric Cooperative electric service locations only. Incentive applies to qualified items purchased and installed between Jan. 1, 2023, and Dec. 31, 2023. Other restrictions may apply. For complete program details, visit homeworks.org/eo.

SNAP SHOT

Celebrations

2 1

7 6

8 Enter to win a $100 energy bill credit!

Submit Your “Travel Around The World” Photos By Nov. 20!

Each month, our members have the opportunity to enter our photo contest by submitting pictures on our website. The photo receiving the most votes is published here, along with some other selections from that month. Our Nov./Dec. theme is Travel Around The World. Photos can be submitted through Nov. 20 to be featured in our February issue. To enter the contest, visit HomeWorks.org/photocontest. Enter your picture, cast your vote, and encourage others to vote for you, too. The photo receiving the most votes will be printed in an issue of Country Lines, along with some other favorites. If your photo is published in Country Lines during 2024, you will be entered into a drawing for a chance to win one of four $100 credits on your December 2024 HomeWorks bill!

10 MOST VOTES

1. “Preschool graduation celebration.” Brenda Schneider, Fowler 2. “Beautiful flowers celebrating an anniversary.” Debra Cook, Mt. Pleasant 3. “Sophia got her first dog for her birthday.” Wendy Wheeler, Coral 4. “Gene and Priscilla Schafer’s 65th wedding anniversary. Celebration took place on their family farm in Hubbardston.” Heather Schafer, Hubbardston 5. “Happy New Year!” Casie Bayless, Portland 6. “A messy house is a celebration every day that there are people in it well enough to make it messy.” Emma Storey, Remus 7. “Celebration on Canadian Lakes.” Jane Torry, Evart 8. “Family fun at Halloween.” Elaine Bilbruck, Mt. Pleasant 9. “Celebrating our 31st anniversary with all the kids in Traverse City.” Rita Wernette, Lake 10. “Great-grandaughter Braelynn helping her mom (Mahlah) bring in the fall harvest.” Freda Drake, Remus

MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES

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

Fuel Mix Report

The fuel mix characteristics of HomeWorks Tri-County Electric Cooperative as required by Public Act 141 of 2000 for the 12-month period ended 6/30/23.

Comparison Of Fuel Sources Used

Fuel source

Your co-op’s fuel mix

Regional average fuel mix

Coal

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

HomeWorks Members Featured

In New Best Of Michigan Country Lines Cookbook

f you purchase a copy of the new “Best Of Michigan Country Lines Cookbook” released this month, you just might recognize some familiar cooks featured in the publication. We are proud to announce that eight HomeWorks members were selected to have their signature recipes included in the prestigious release, which highlights favorite meals from a decade of Country Lines entries. Congratulations to these top-notch cooks and/or bakers from within the HomeWorks service territory for their inclusion in the book: • • • • • • • •

Regional Average Fuel Mix

Karen Armstrong, Webberville: Broccoli salad Benjamin & Jessica Bain, Big Rapids: White chocolate cranberry cookies Ruth Benjamin, Eaton Rapids: Ruth’s bed and breakfast oatmeal Joy Frazee, Portland: Pasta bacon toss Jackie Lambka, Stanwood: Spinach lover’s pizza Jeannette Len, Mulliken: Espresso cheesecake Heather Vedder, Charlotte: Heather’s sweet potatoes Morgan Wernette, Weidman: Bruschetta burgers with avocado spread, and old-fashioned buckwheat pancakes (page 15 shown above)

To learn how to make these delicious dishes and many more, check out the details on how to purchase the Best Of Michigan Country Lines Cookbook on pages 6 and 7.

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. HomeWorks purchases 100% of its electricity from Wolverine Power Supply Cooperative, Inc., which provided this fuel mix and environmental data.

12 NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023

Notice To Members Of HomeWorks Tri-County Electric Cooperative Sept. 25, 2023, Open Member Meeting Results At a Special Open Meeting held Sept. 25, 2023, the HomeWorks Tri-County Electric Cooperative board of directors voted unanimously to establish a Power Supply Cost Recovery (PSCR) factor ceiling of $.00888 per kWh for all rate classes subject to the PSCR, by tariff, in accordance with P.A. 167, effective Jan. 1, 2024. For specific details of any HomeWorks tariffs or fees, please visit HomeWorks.org or call us at 800-562-8232.

Your Board In Action Meeting in Portland on Sept. 25, your board of directors: • In a special open member meeting, voted unanimously to establish a cap of $.00888 per kWh for the Power Supply Cost Recovery (PSCR) factor for all rate classes subject to the PSCR, by tariff, in accordance with P.A. 167, effective with the January 2024 electric billings. • Reviewed a presentation on the recent implementation of a new propane delivery software system, which is helping to significantly improve efficiencies for the HomeWorks Tri-County Propane business. • Reappointed incumbent volunteer Tri-County Electric People Fund directors Jerry Supina (District 2), Lisa Johnson (District 4), Kevin Sopocy (District 5), and Dick Donley (District 6) to new three-year

terms on the People Fund board, which will expire in September 2026. • Reviewed a detailed presentation on the Co-op’s 2023 Annual Meeting of Delegates, which included member survey feedback indicating that 90% of attendees were satisfied or highly satisfied with the meeting. • In Executive Session, reviewed Co-op management’s annual wage and salary proposal for nonunion employees, and unanimously voted to authorize the general manager to implement the proposed plan, effective Nov. 8, 2023. • Performed an annual review of the Co-op’s current director compensation and how it compares to that of other Michigan electric cooperatives. • Discussed and accepted Cooperative bylaw sections 5.15.7, as revised.

People Fund Lends A Helping Hand To Local Causes Meeting in Portland on Sept. 25, our People Fund board made three grants totaling $6,500, including: • $3,000 to the Portland Community Fund Association’s Backpack for Bellies program, to purchase weekend meals for students in need; • $2,500 to the Leslie Youth Football Association, to purchase new football helmets; and • $1,000 to the Ionia Ministerial Association, to provide housing and utility assistance for families 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 Co-op’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 Dec. 5 for the December meeting.

• Learned there were 135 new members in August. • Acknowledged the August safety report, listing employee training as well as minor employee and public incidents involving electric, propane, or fiber optic. • Acknowledged the August physical & cybersecurity report, noting that there were no security breaches or incidents to report for the month.

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 Nov. 27 in Portland and 9 a.m. on Dec. 18 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.

Happy Holidays The HomeWorks offices will be closed on the following holidays: Thanksgiving: Thursday, Nov. 23 & Friday, Nov. 24 Christmas: Monday, Dec. 25 & Tuesday, Dec. 26

MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES 13

Santa C laus Here Comes

MICHIGAN’S INTERNATIONALLY RECOGNIZED SANTA SCHOOL

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

It’s time to apply for our 2024 classroom grants and college scholarships! For Teachers:

We offer grants of up to $2,000 to help teachers in our service area provide S.T.E.A.M. (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) education in their classrooms.

Applications due Dec. 15

For Students:

Current high school seniors living on our electric lines could be eligible for one of our one-time $2,000 scholarships to help with 2024-25 college expenses!

Applications due March 13

For more info or to apply, click the Community tab at:

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TRIP OF A LIFETIME

JUNE 18 TO 23, 2024 AN ALL-EXPENSE-PAID TRIP TO WASHINGTON, D.C.

WHAT IS YOUTH TOUR? • •

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An all-expense-paid trip to Washington, D.C., paid for by your Michigan Electric Cooperative. A week of visiting historic monuments, touring world-class museums, and meeting elected officials. Developing life-long friendships with delegates from across the country!

HOW TO APPLY • •

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Applicants must be a sophomore or junior in high school. You and your parents or guardian must be served by HomeWorks Tri-County Electric Cooperative. The deadline is Jan. 12, 2024.

LEARN MORE AT WWW.COOPERATIVEYOUTHTOUR.COM NRECA FACEBOOK/INSTAGRAM: NRECAYOUTHTOURDC MICHIGAN INSTAGRAM: MI.COOP.YOUTH.TOUR

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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