Nov/Dec 2023 Midwest

November/December 2023

MICHIGAN

COUNTRY LINES Midwest Energy & Communications

Santa Claus Here Comes

Michigan’s Internationally Recognized Santa School

Online Shopping Tips

Energy Efficient Christmas Decorations

How To Stream Detroit Sports

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

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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

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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

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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

3

VAN BUREN KALAMAZOO

CASS

LENAWEE

MONROE

ST JOSEPH

teammidwest.com /teammidwest CORPORATE HEADQUARTERS AND CASSOPOLIS SOLUTIONS CENTER 60590 Decatur Road, Cassopolis, MI 49031 M–F 8 a.m.–5 p.m.

PAW PAW SOLUTIONS CENTER 59825 S. LaGrave Street, Paw Paw, MI 49079 M–F 8 a.m.–5 p.m.

Tecumseh Solutions Center 5050 South Occidental Hwy., Tecumseh, MI 49286 M–F 8 a.m.–5 p.m.

CONTACT US Midwest Energy & Communications 800-492-5989 teammidwest.com Email: info@teammidwest.com

BOARD OF DIRECTORS Clarence “Topper” Barth, Chairperson, Three Rivers 269-279-9233 Clarence.Barth@teammidwest.com

Ben Russell, Vice Chairperson, Constantine 269-506-1590 Ben.Russell@teammidwest.com Ron Armstrong, Secretary, Lawton 269-299-0443 Ron.Armstrong@teammidwest.com John Green, Treasurer, Dowagiac 269-470-2816 John.Green@teammidwest.com Dan Bodette, Wauseon 419-344-4015 Dan.Bodette@teammidwest.com

Gerry Bundle, Cassopolis 269-414-0164 Gerry.Bundle@teammidwest.com

Erika Escue-Cadieux, Onsted 419-346-1088 erika.escue-cadieux@teammidwest.com Fred Turk, Decatur 269-423-7762 Fred.Turk@teammidwest.com

SMART Park Update Robert Hance, President/CEO

I

f you’ve driven by our office on Decatur Road in Cassopolis recently, you’ve undoubtedly seen all the dirt being moved and road work progressing.

That’s our field of dreams transforming into MEC’s Southwest Michigan Advanced Research & Technology “SMART” Park.

As I write this, our first tenant, Norsk Hydro, is preparing to open their doors for business. Their $150 million investment and 70+ local jobs are a huge boon for Cass. Soon the plant will be in full production, trains will be utilizing the rail, and most importantly, the company will be contributing millions of dollars to the local tax base in Cass, giving the County, the Village of Cassopolis, and Penn Township even more opportunities for growth and sustainability.

For the remainder of the park, utilities are placed, and construction continues on the boulevard entrance off of M-60. While that entrance will remain closed through the winter, we are setting the stage for a beautiful streetscape that will serve as the future home for retail establishments, yet to be determined. Signage, landscaping, a non-motorized trail and other community amenities will welcome visitors and employees for years to come.

Additionally, the SMART Park is one of only a handful of nationwide sites to earn designation as a CN Rail Ready Site. This is huge because these sites are rigorously evaluated by a third party with strict criteria around zoning, utilities, telecommunications, highways, and environmental assessments. All these evaluations ensure businesses will have the logistics they need to start production sooner and easier.

COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST: Grant Zamora

While Hydro settles in, we aggressively seek more businesses to set up shop in the SMART Park. I have heard the rumblings and concerns of what that means for Cass.

Change can be unsettling and scary. However, our development covenants are designed to protect the rural character that we have grown to love while enabling businesses to succeed and thrive. For instance, lighting will be dark sky compliant.

Perhaps more impactful, we have a patient mentality that allows us to attract investment that aligns with our values and covenants. Ultimately, we are building the SMART Park for one reason: to create a vibrant, relevant, and sustainable community that will provide economic stability and opportunity for generations to come.

Please note: electric customers of MEC must adhere to our bylaws, which can be found at teammidwest.com/bylaws.

This is the last Country Lines issue of the year, and I wish you and your family a Happy Thanksgiving and a Christmas filled with joy and laughter. 2024 looks to be another banner year for MEC, and I’m excited to share what we have in store for the next 12 months and beyond.

Jim Wiseley, Bloomingdale 269-760-4619 Jim.Wiseley@teammidwest.com PRESIDENT/CEO: Robert Hance

DIRECTOR, CORPORATE COMMUNICATIONS & MARKETING: Amy Pales

Midwest Energy & Communications is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

4 NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023

APPLY FOR A

TRIP OF A LIFETIME

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

WHAT IS YOUTH TOUR? • •

•

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 • •

•

Applicants must be a sophomore or junior in high school.

You and your parents or guardian must be served by Midwest Energy & Communications.

The deadline is Jan. 12, 2024.

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

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

7

Midwest Energy & Communications Members Featured In New

Best Of Michigan Country Lines Cookbook Apple Dapple Cake

We are proud to announce that our current and former MEC members were selected to have their signature recipes included in the prestigious release, highlighting favorite meals from a decade of Country Lines entries. Congratulations to these top-notch cooks for their inclusion in the book: Judy Farley: Apple Dapple Cake

Southwest Mac and Cheese

Rita Schuette: Frosty Lemon Pie Ann Brown: Bacon Blue Cheeseburger, Campfire Chicken Package Meal

Gigi's Famous Farfalle And Sausage Pasta

Crystal Carr: Veggie Pizza Jennifer Quail: Southwest Mac and Cheese Katie Schneider: Sweet Potato and Quinoa Burgers

Tommie Schmidt: Louisiana Red Beans and Rice Janet Cather: Sweet Potato Turkey Sausage Minestrone Soup Rachel Cultice: Lasagna Stew Gigi Bozzano: Gigi's Famous Farfalle And Sausage Pasta Janet Cather: Mexican Egg Sausage Enchiladas

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.

8 NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023

3

PayPal Is Your Friend

If the site you’re buying from accepts PayPal, you can make a purchase without giving the seller any of your financial info. PayPal handles the transaction without letting the seller see information like your credit card number.

4

Top 6

ONLINE CHRISTMAS SHOPPING TIPS

Do you think Santa Claus gets stressed around the holidays? Even the jolliest of us must feel the impending time crunch of Christmas shopping, right?

One thing is for sure: He can’t do it alone. Each year he counts on you, his Christmas elves, to find the best deals on the hottest items of the year. To make your job easier, he’s asked his loyal helpers here at MEC to pass along this online shopping PSA.

1

Make Sure the Site is Secure

When you visit a website, look to the left of the URL. If the site is secure, you’ll see a small lock icon. This means your information (like passwords and credit card info) is private when it’s sent to this site.

You should also watch out for misspellings or incorrect domains.

Scammers sometimes set up fake websites that look like the real thing— don’t be fooled!

2

Verify the Brand

If you’ve never heard of a brand, do some research before you buy. Shady third-party sellers can pop up even on trusted sites like Amazon or Walmart. If you buy from one, you might find your product has an unexpected “cheap” feel or that it’s not quite the product you thought you were getting.

Buying Used Electronics? As always, there are a few

extra things to be aware of when it comes to technology. We discuss these more on page 12.

Don’t Recycle Your Passwords

It’s tempting to keep using the same password for every site—but that makes it very, very easy for hackers to get into your accounts. Switch up your passwords to keep your online accounts secure, especially when your financial information is involved.

For our guide to best password practices, visit teammidwest.com/ passwords.

5

Compare Prices

Don’t buy from the first listing you see. Different retailers sometimes sell the same product at different prices.

Sites like Google Shopping or Honey can help you find lower prices or deals elsewhere.

6

Find Deals Beyond Black Friday

Saturday, Nov. 25, is Small Business Saturday, a day when shoppers around the U.S. support their favorite small and local businesses. Shopping online doesn’t mean you’re tied to Amazon—visit AmericanExpress.com and search “Small Business Saturday,” then click “Find Small Businesses” on the resulting page to start finding participating businesses near you.

Some of them may even have their own online storefronts to order from.

On Tuesday (Nov. 28), don’t forget about your favorite charities. Giving Tuesday is a day to give back. It’s also known as Travel Deal Tuesday because many airlines, hotels, and other travel brands post offers online.

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

11

BUYING USED ELECTRONICS? Watch Out for This

E

lectronics make great Christmas gifts, but they can also come with a hefty price tag. Buying used or refurbished devices helps bring that down some.

Here are some of the top recommendations for attentive shoppers when buying used electronics.

WHAT DOES REFURBISHED MEAN? You may see products listed with several similarsounding terms like “used,” “preowned,” “restored,” or “refurbished.” Generally, these all mean that the product has been purchased by someone else, used for some time, and then placed back on the market.

While it’s not a guarantee, “used” and “preowned” usually mean a product has not undergone any type of restorative process, while “restored” or “refurbished” often indicate that it has been repaired or fixed up in some way. Some storefronts like Amazon also include language such as “Like New,” “Good,” “Poor,” etc., to indicate what condition the product is currently in. Be cautious though—it’s entirely up to the seller to determine which of these categories their product falls under, and not all sellers are perfectly honest.

LOOK AT WHO’S SELLING IT Many popular online storefronts like Amazon and Walmart allow third-party vendors to sell used and refurbished electronics through their sites. While this can be a great opportunity for shoppers and sellers alike, sometimes scams slip through the cracks.

When you’re looking at a product listing, the website should tell you who the seller is. Is the business one you recognize? If you click the name, are they verified?

See what their reviews say—both positive and negative.

Having lots of reviews can be a good sign, as this usually means they haven’t written fake ones themselves—but be

12 NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023

aware that scammers can also have bots flood their page with reviews to puff up their ratings. If the positive reviews are very short, all sound the same, or are written in strange ways, they could be fake.

Apple (apple.com) and Google (store.google.com) sell certified refurbished items on their websites that come with a one-year warranty. Best Buy’s (bestbuy.com) Geek Squad Certified refurbished goods have also been repaired to a quality that Best Buy considers “like new." These are all great options to buy from.

MAKE SURE THE PRICE IS RIGHT Connect with your inner Bob Barker and evaluate the price of what you’re planning to buy. Used (and to a lesser extent, refurbished) electronics should be significantly cheaper than new ones. If it’s the same price to buy a new device, it’s not worth the negatives of purchasing a preowned one, and it may even be a sign of a scam.

WHAT DOES IT COME WITH? New electronics are often packaged with chargers, as well as any other cables or components that are necessary for them to work properly. Even legitimate sellers may not sell used devices with all the necessary parts, usually because the original owners lost or kept them. Take note of what the device comes with and whether a secondary purchase is required to get it running.

LOOK AT THE RETURN POLICY When buying something used, read the fine print. Can you return your item if it doesn’t work as promised? How long do you have to notice a problem and get it back to the seller? You never know what might go wrong with used electronics, even if the seller is reputable, and it’s best to have an option for returning or replacing a broken item.

A Second Chance for Maple Hill Splash Pad T

his summer, Texas Township’s Maple Hill Splash Pad enjoyed a wildly successful first season. The splash pad was funded by charitable contributions from community organizations like MEC (which we provided via partnership dollars through our power supplier, Wolverine Power Cooperative).

It’s a proud comeback story for a park that initially failed to attract the state grant dollars necessary to build it.

Texas Township Deputy Supervisor Brooke Hovenkamp said more than 400 people gathered to enjoy the park on its opening day.

“We knew it’d be busy, but it’s extremely busy,” said Texas Township Superintendent Erik Wilson.

The idea for the splash pad initially came about in 2014, and township leaders applied for funding through the Department of Natural Resource’s grant cycles in 2015 and 2016. The applications were rejected, however, and the project was shelved for several years.

In 2021, the Texas Township Parks and Trails Committee revisited the idea with a new strategy to get it off the ground: crowdfunding, in which donations are sourced from community members and organizations. Although it was one of the township’s first attempts to crowdfund a project, they had a clear plan in mind to seek out sponsors who were already making a positive impact in the community. MEC was one of around 110 sponsors who proudly donated toward the splash pad’s construction. When all was said and done, Texas Township had raised more than $230,000 over eight months, enough to finally build the community play area that leaders had dreamed of.

The Maple Hill Splash Pad features 17 interactive water and spray features. It’s open to children of all abilities and features specific elements for children ages 2–5 and 6–12. From Memorial Day to Labor Day each year, it will be open daily from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. The splash pad is completely free and open to the community—there are no entry fees, and it cannot be rented for private events.

Members of other communities have taken notice of Texas Township’s success. Jeff Root, president of Battle Creek’s Michigan Steelheaders chapter, was visiting on the day we spoke with Wilson and Hovenkamp. Root said he’d like to see a similar recreational opportunity in Battle Creek.

“You couldn’t ask for better things for kids to do than a free program in the summer,” Root said.

The Maple Hill Splash Pad is located in Texas Drive Park at 6603 Texas Drive in Texas Charter Township, Michigan.

You can learn more about the splash pad and the township at TexasTownship.org or on the township’s Facebook page (Charter Township of Texas) and its page on X, the site formerly known as Twitter (@TexasTownship).

Photos courtesy of Texas Township MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES 13

Santa C laus Here Comes

MICHIGAN’S INTERNATIONALLY RECOGNIZED SANTA SCHOOL

I

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

How to Stream Detroit Sports Pistons, Tigers, and Red Wings, oh my! Having trouble finding your Detroit sports teams lately? It’s not you, and it’s not your TV—something else is going on.

Fox Sports Detroit Is Now Bally Sports Detroit Yup! One reason you might not be finding Fox Sports Detroit is because it technically doesn’t exist anymore.

While the channel itself is still active and providing the same content, Sinclair Broadcasting Group reached a deal in 2021 with casino operator Bally’s Corporation to rebrand a number of its channels—one of which was Fox Sports Detroit. And that’s not all, because…

Many Popular Platforms Dropped the Channels Even if you know that Fox Sports Detroit is now Bally Sports Detroit, there’s a second, bigger hurdle to jump. In 2019 and 2020, several major streaming TV providers like YouTube TV, Hulu Live TV, Dish Network, and Sling TV dropped regional Fox Sports channels. If you subscribe to any of those platforms, you won’t be able to use them to stream Detroit games.

Wait—There’s Good News Thankfully, you’re not out of luck. While most streaming TV platforms don’t offer Bally Sports Detroit, some still do. Fubo is one of them—learn more at fubo.tv.

Not ready to switch providers? Bally Sports has its own streaming service, Bally Sports+, which costs $19.99/month or $239.88/year. The service gives you access to live games, pre- and post-game shows, polling, and more for the Pistons, Tigers, and Red Wings. It’s available within the Bally Sports app on Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, iOS and Android devices, and via web browser at BallySports.com.

Visit BallySports.com to learn more and sign up.

16 NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023

How About Those Lions?

Football fans have probably noticed something missing so far.

If you’re looking for the Lions and only the Lions, you can disregard the information to the left. That’s because NFL games don’t rely on Bally Sports, which generally gives you more options to stream games.

Visit the following websites for more information and pricing.

• Stream the NFL on CBS via Paramount+ (ParamountPlus.com)

• NFL Sunday Ticket on YouTube TV (tv.youtube.com) • NFL Network on Sling TV (sling.com)

• NFL Network on Hulu Live TV (hulu.com)

• NFL Network on Fubo TV (fubo.tv) • NFL Plus—phones and tablets only (nfl.com)

Fuel Mix Report

Tired of dropped cell phone calls at your home?

The fuel mix characteristics of Midwest Energy & Communications as required by Public Act 141 of 2000 for the 12-month period ending 6/30/23.

Comparison Of Fuel Sources Used Fuel source

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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.

MEC proudly participates in the Affordable Connectivity and Lifeline programs, federal initiatives that assist low-income households with their internet bills.

Your Co-op’s Fuel Mix

Affordable Connectivity Program

The Affordable Connectivity Program is a Federal Communications Commission initiative to help low-income households with broadband internet expenses. Eligible MEC customers can receive our 100-Mbps Advanced internet package for free or up to a $30/month discount (up to $75/month if your household is on qualifying Tribal lands) on our Gig or 5 Gig packages. Visit teammidwest.com/acp to find out if you qualify.

Lifeline Program

The Lifeline Program, subsidized through the Universal Service Fund, provides a monthly credit on telephone or internet bills for low-income consumers. Qualifying customers can receive a $9.25 credit on internet or $7.25 on phone service (seniors can get a $12.35 credit on phone service, while residents of Tribal lands can get a $34.25 credit on either service). Visit teammidwest.com/lifeline to see if you qualify.

Happy Holidays

Our solutions centers will be closed on the dates listed below.

Make a payment or report an electric outage via SmartHub or by calling 800-492-5989. Dropbox payments made at our solutions centers will be processed on the next open business day.

THANKSGIVING Thursday, Nov. 23 & Friday, Nov. 24 CHRISTMAS Friday, Dec. 22 & Monday, Dec. 25 NEW YEAR’S Monday, Jan. 1

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

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.

H EATIN G WI TH WEL L- CO N N ECT IS L IK E PAY I N G HEATIN

70¢ PER GALLON OF PROPANE

ENJOY

YEAR-ROUND COMFORT

HEAT FOR AS LOW AS

$600 ALL WINTER

REDUCE

COOL FOR AS LOW AS

$50

DEPENDENCY ON FUEL OIL, WOOD, OR PROPANE

ALL SUMMER

HOW DOES THE SYSTEM WORK? • • •

•

Attaches to your home’s existing heating system, it 50° WATER does not replace it.

Delivers 90% on average of your home’s heating 38° WATER needs and 100% of your home’s cooling needs.

If you have a well and are heating with propane, fuel oil, electric or wood, your current heating and cooling cost is likely greater than it would be to fully finance and heat & cool with a Well-Connect.

Installs in one day, any time of year. No drilling or excavation is required.

70° AIR 95° AIR

Hybrid Geothermal

EXISTING FURNACE

Financing, 30% tax credit, and rebates up to $2,000 available.

Geothermal Made Affordable

833-436-9355 wellconnectgeo.com

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*Not currently available for Lyndon Township residents. If you are a Lyndon Township resident and would be interested in a multigig plan, please visit teammidwest.com/lyndon and click on the form underneath the packages.

A 12-month service contract is required; 24 months if you are including Arlo with your internet subscription. Fiber and Arlo services are not regulated by the Michigan Public Service Commission.

Promo available to qualified residential customers only. Non-electric customers need to pay a one-time fiber connection fee by Dec. 31 to qualify.