COUNTRY LINES
THERE’S A TREASURE IN YOUR BACKYARD
You may not realize it, but your home is sitting on a free and renewable supply of energy
A WaterFurnace geothermal comfort system taps into the stored solar energy in your own backyard to provide savings of up to 70% on heating, cooling, and hot water.
That’s money in the bank and a smart investment in your family’s comfort—and with a 30% federal tax credit1 available, now is a great time to contact your local WaterFurnace dealer to learn how to tap into your buried treasure.
YOUR LOCAL WATERFURNACE DEALERS
Allendale
Allendale Htg & Clg (800)327-1937 allendaleheating.com
Berrien Springs Waterfurnace Michiana (269)473-5667 gogreenmichgeo thermal.com
Big Rapids
Stratz Htg & Clg, Inc. (231)796-3717 stratzgeocomfort.com
Clifford Orton Refrig & Htg (989)761-7691 sanduskygeothermal.com
Filion/Bad Axe
Air-O-Dynamic Htg. & Clg. (989)582-0137
Hart Adams Htg & Clg (231)873-2665 adamsheating cooling.com
Indian River M&M Plmb & Htg (231)238-7201 mm-plumbing.com
Lansing Candor Mechanical (517)920-0890 candormechanical.com
Lowell Arctic Inc. Htg. & Clg. (616)897-4213 heatingcoolingonline.com
Michigan Center Comfort 1/Air Serv of Southern Michigan (517)764-1500 airserv.com/southernmichigan/
Mt Pleasant Walton Htg & Clg (989)772-4822 waltonheating.com
Muskegon Adams Htg & Clg (231)873-2665 adamsheatingcooling.com
Portland ESI Htg & Clg (517)647-6906 esiheating.com
Sunfield
Mark Woodman Plmb & Htg (517)886-1138 mwphonline.com
Traverse City D&W Mechanical (231)941-1251 dwmechanical.com
Geofurnace Htg & Clg (231)943-1000 geofurnace.com
CO-OP REBATE INCENTIVES
Al g e r Delta Electric: up to $2,000
C h erryland Electric: up to $2,500
Cloverland: up to $6,275
Great Lakes Energy: up to $5,000
H omeworks/Tri-County Electric: up to $4,750
Presque Isle Electric & Gas Co-op: up to $4,750
Thumb Electric: up to $2,000
Michigan’s Electric Cooperatives
EXECUTIVE EDITOR: Casey Clark
EDITOR: Christine Dorr
GRAPHIC DESIGNER: Karreen Bird
RECIPE EDITOR: Christin Russman
COPY EDITOR: Yvette Pecha
CONTRIBUTING EDITOR: Emily Haines Lloyd
PUBLISHER: Michigan Electric Cooperative Association
Michigan Country Lines, USPS-591-710, is published monthly, except August and December, with periodicals postage paid at Lansing, Mich., and additional offices. It is the official publication of the Michigan Electric Cooperative Association, 201 Townsend St., Suite 900, Lansing, MI 48933.
Subscriptions are authorized for members of Alger Delta, Cherryland, Great Lakes, HomeWorks Tri-County, Midwest Energy & Communications, Ontonagon, Presque Isle, and Thumb electric cooperatives by their boards of directors.
Postmaster: Send all UAA to CFS.
Association Officers: Tom Sobeck, Presque Isle Electric & Gas Co-op, chairman; Gabe Schneider, Cherryland Electric Cooperative, vice chairman; Chris O’Neill , HomeWorks 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: 10/1/24. 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. 2024. 13. Extent and nature of circulation: A)
7 BEST OF MICHIGAN
COUNTRY LINES COOKBOOK
This compilation of our co-op members' most delicious recipes makes a great gift.
10 MI CO-OP KITCHEN
Holiday Treats: These festive desserts will bring joy to your taste buds.
14 ROGERS CITY ROCKS:
WORLD’S
LARGEST OPEN PIT QUARRY
The Carmeuse Calcite Quarry is a global giant in a small town.
18 GUEST COLUMN
A Thrice-Worn Dress: how frugality and a GLE member's costume-making skills resulted in a perfect wedding gown.
MI Co-op Community
To enter contests, submit reader content & more, visit countrylines.com/community
Recipe Contest
See details on page 10. Sauces & Marinades due Dec. 1; Best No-Bake Recipes due Jan. 1; Smoothies & Shakes 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!
Mystery Photo
See details on page 18. Win a $100 bill credit!
cherrylandelectric.coop
/cherrylandelectriccoop
@cherrylandec
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Gabe Schneider, President 517-449-6453
gschneider@cherrylandelectric.coop
Valarie Handy, Senior Vice President 231-392-4705
vhandy@cherrylandelectric.coop
Melinda Lautner, Secretary 231-947-2509
mlautner@cherrylandelectric.coop
Tom Van Pelt, Treasurer 231-386-5234
tvanpelt@cherrylandelectric.coop
David Schweitzer, Director 231-883-5860
dschweitzer@cherrylandelectric.coop
Terry Lautner, Director 231-883-6455
tlautner@cherrylandelectric.coop
Dean Adams, Director 231-642-0014
dadams@cherrylandelectric.coop
CEO: Rachel Johnson
CO-OP EDITORS: Courtney Doyle: cdoyle@cherrylandelectric.coop
Bailey Watson: bwatson@cherrylandelectric.coop
OFFICE HOURS
Monday–Friday 7:30 a.m.–4:00 p.m. TELEPHONE NUMBERS
231-486-9200 or 1-800-442-8616 (Mich.)
ADDRESS
P.O. Box 298, Grawn, MI 49637
PAY STATION
Cherryland Electric Cooperative office 5930 U.S. 31 South, Grawn MI, 49637
Cherryland Electric Cooperative is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
CO-OP NEWS
Cherryland Retires $570,000 in Capital Credits to Members in December
Cherryland’s board voted to retire approximately $570,000 in capital credits to the membership this December. The amount retired to each member can be found on the December billing statements. The cooperative has retired more than $32 million in capital credits back to the members since 2009.
Cherryland Office Closed Over Holidays
In observance of the holidays, the Cherryland office will be closed on the following dates:
Thursday, Nov. 28, and Friday, Nov. 29, for Thanksgiving Tuesday, Dec. 24, and Wednesday, Dec. 25, for Christmas Tuesday, Dec. 31, and Wednesday, Jan. 1, for New Year’s
Line crews are on call to respond to any outages or emergencies. You can report an outage by texting OUT to 800-442-8616, logging into SmartHub, or calling us at 231-486-9200. Visit our website’s Outage Center for more details.
Rebates Changing in 2025
Planning on getting an EV or heat pump? You’ll want to take note of some changes to our rebate program starting in 2025.
As of Jan. 1, Cherryland will offer a $250 rebate on qualifying EVs instead of a $500 rebate, with 2025 being the final year this rebate will be available.
Level 2 chargers will have a rebate value of $500 instead of $800 and must be smart chargers that are permanently installed with data capability to qualify.
In addition, heat pump rebates will be adjusted. Cherryland will offer a $1,000 rebate on the air source and Well-Connect heat pumps and a $2,000 rebate on ground source heat pumps.
Members interested in applying for a 2024 rebate must have the rebate application filed before Dec. 31. Rebates filed after Dec. 31 will qualify at the 2025 rebate value. Please note that beginning Jan. 1, all rebates must be filed within 60 days of purchase.
If you have questions regarding rebates, visit our website or contact Tammy Haworth at 231-486-9261 or thaworth@cherrylandelectric.coop.
Members May Dispose of Christmas Trees at Cherryland
Cherryland members are reminded that Christmas trees can be discarded at Cherryland’s office in Grawn. Trees can be dropped off on the right side of the Cherryland parking lot as you drive in, just beyond where the two parking lots meet. This service is offered free to co-op members.
Cherryland
Cares Awards $8,000 to Two Local
Nonprofits
At its third-quarter board meeting, the Cherryland Cares board awarded grants to Acme Christian Thrift Store & Food Pantry and Hope House of Northwest Michigan. This year, Cherryland Cares has awarded a total of $38,230 in grants to area nonprofit agencies.
The Cherryland Cares board is comprised of five volunteer Cherryland members. The funds distributed by Cherryland Cares result from members electing to round up their monthly bills to the nearest dollar.
If you are an area nonprofit agency seeking financial help, fourth-quarter grant applications are due Sunday, Dec. 1. Visit cherrylandelectric.coop/cherryland-cares for information on how to apply. For additional details, please call Shannon Beery at 231-486-9218 or email her at sbeery@cherrylandelectric.coop.
L2024 at a Glance Building Strength for the Future
By Rachel Johnson, Cherryland CEO
oyal readers of this column may remember last year when I had to notify you that the cooperative would be ending the year with a loss and was unable to retire capital credits. Not the easiest message to deliver during your first year on the job.
That’s why it brings me a tremendous amount of pride to tell you that we are on track to end this year with positive margins, and our board recently approved a capital credit retirement that is just shy of $570,000. You’ll see your portion of that retirement on your December electric bill.
With this retirement, we have returned over $32 million to our members since 2007. To put this in perspective for you, Cherryland has retired 46% of our total patronage capital, compared to the national median of 30%. We continue to be very proud of our commitment to returning your patronage capital to you.
This number is even more astounding when you consider that our equity position is the best in the state at almost 40%, compared to the statewide median of 28%. Retiring capital credits decreases our equity, and holding on to capital credits increases it. It says a lot about our financial integrity and our commitment to the cooperative model that we’ve managed to balance those two dynamics so well.
As we look back on our year, there are a few other points of pride that I want to share with you.
We continue to deliver industryleading reliability. As of the writing of this column, we are still tracking at the gold standard four 9s of electric reliability. How quickly we restore power is another interesting stat I watch closely. This year, the average outage on our system was 83 minutes.
“We continue to deliver industry-leading reliability. As of the writing of this column, we are still tracking at the gold standard four 9s of electric reliability.”
Across the state, the average is 340 minutes. What this tells me is that we not only do an excellent job of keeping the lights on, but we also do a good job of getting them back on when the power goes out.
We deliver this industry-leading reliability while running a very lean ship. We serve 633 members per employee, compared to the national median of 350 members per employee. Our leanness means we can deliver excellent service at a lower cost to you. The average amount an electric cooperative consumer pays per year for electric service nationally is $2,300, and statewide, is about $1,800. The average amount a Cherryland member pays is $1,500.
I don’t want to make the picture sound too rosy; we still face significant cost challenges related to inflation on
the materials we use to keep your lights on, regulatory and legislative mandates, interest rates, and general inflation. We are leveraging our leanness and our strong finances to spread our rapidly increasing costs out over smaller rate increases for you.
We are better off than most as we navigate these challenges because of the work we’ve put into improving our system, because of our leanness, and because of our employees’ abiding commitment to you all. While utilities continue to face tough times, it’s still a good day to be a Cherryland member.
To hear more, listen to the Co-op Energy Talk Podcast.
Energy Assistance Programs 2024-2025 Season
Winter Protection Plan
Contact: Local Utility Company
Add $7,710 for each additional household member.
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
Contact: Michigan Dept. of Treasury
Add $5,654 for each exemption over 8.
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.
Low-Income Weatherization Assistance Program
Contact: Local Community Action Agency
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.
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
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.
MI Energy Assistance Program
Contact: Utility or 2-1-1 in late November: 2-1-1 or https://mi211.org/
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.
GIVE THE GIFT OF MMM...
A decade of award-winning recipes from Michigan Country Lines.
COOKING FOR A CAUSE
Support two deserving Michigan charities with every purchase of this cookbook:
Feeding America Local Food Banks: Helping ensure that no one in our community goes without nutritious meals.
Cooperative Family Fund: Providing essential assistance to children of electric cooperative employees who have lost a parent while they were actively employed.
Make this holiday season special by ordering your copies today and sharing the gift of community and care.
Order now in time for the holidays! Please allow 7–10 days for shipping.
BE AN ENERGY EFFICIENCY MVP
Do you have what it takes to be the energy e ciency MVP (most valuable player) in your home? When you take proactive steps to save energy at home, you can help your family save on monthly energy bills and help the environment—that’s a win-win!
Read the sentences below and unscramble the bolded letters to complete the energy e ciency tips. Check your work in the answer key.
1. Turn o glhsit when you leave a room.
2. Unplug smaller electronic devices like phone reahgcsr when you’re not using them.
3. Reduce your nesecr time to save energy and spend more time outdoors.
4. Turn o the reatw while brushing your teeth.
5. Keep doors and swdwnio closed when your home’s heating/cooling system is running.
6. When it’s cold, wear an extra layer of tohgncil inside instead of adjusting the thermostat.
IS BLUE A CHRISTMAS COLOR?
By Bailey Watson
Ilove the holiday season. Actually, I love all the ‘ber months; the change, chill, and celebration in the air make everything exciting in my book. As a kid, I remember turning on Christmas music the day after Thanksgiving or the first time it snowed in northern Michigan. But I’d always skip that one downer of a song, “Blue Christmas.” I mean, not that Elvis Presley doesn’t have a dreamy voice, but it didn’t exactly fit the joyful vibe I was looking for.
As the years went on and I got older, “Blue Christmas” was still the song that got skipped if I was in control of the music. That is, until a few years ago, when the song started to sound a little different. Now, I am not talking about a different version from a different artist (however, I am partial to Michael Bublé’s rendition). What I mean is it didn’t seem like quite as much of a downer anymore.
As our festive music played that first Christmas after my dad passed, the holiday sparkle I was used to dulled just a little. This was a time of year when he came alive; he embraced the holidays, memories, traditions, and little joys. That is where I get my love for this time of year.
So, as I listened to the jolly music that didn’t feel quite the same that year, “Blue Christmas” spilled over my speakers. This time, my usual inclination to skip it subsided. I just listened. The song did not take me out of the holiday spirit as it once did, but instead gave me a different perspective.
While the lyrics contain some pain intertwined, the music itself is not somber. I found myself bopping along and thinking of the memories of holidays with my dad. As the years have gone on, the song went from automatic skip to a
“As you string
your lights
and hang your ornaments, add a blue one to your reds and greens as a reminder to be kind and slow down.”
favorite for me and my mom. It is roughly two minutes and 10 seconds of calm among the holiday chaos, and we get to reflect on memories of Dad and other loved ones.
This made me think of others for whom the holiday season is not as jolly as most. Those who are separated from the people they love, or those whose traditions may look different this year. It makes me believe that maybe those people are who this holiday season is really meant for. It is a time of year when we are all a little bit more giving, gentle, and kind to one another.
In the hustle and bustle of parties, dinners, gifts, and cheer, we can all try to remember that this season can also be difficult. We have the opportunity to give grace as our holiday gift to everyone. Tied into the joy can be grief, but it can also be an opportunity to reflect on what we’re most grateful for.
This year, I won’t be skipping “Blue Christmas” every time it plays. As you string your lights and hang your ornaments, add a blue one to your reds and greens as a reminder to be kind and slow down. It’s just a little symbol to help us remember the meaning of the season. Maybe blue is a Christmas color after all.
HOLIDAY TREATS
Delightful recipes to sweeten the season.
Recipe Contest
Win a $100 energy bill credit!
Sauces & Marinades due Dec. 1; Best No-Bake Recipes due Jan. 1; Smoothies & Shakes 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
WINNING RECIPE!
CHOCOLATE CHIP CHEESE BALL
Patricia Davio, Great Lakes Energy
1 8-ounce package cream cheese, softened
½ cup butter, softened
¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
¾ cup powdered sugar
2 tablespoons brown sugar
¾ cup mini semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 (10-ounce) box Teddy Grahams or graham crackers/sticks
¾ cup chopped walnuts
In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese, butter, and vanilla until fluffy. Gradually add in the sugars and beat until well incorporated. Mix in the chocolate chips until combined. Cover and refrigerate for 2 hours. One hour before serving, remove from the refrigerator and shape into a ball. Roll in the chopped walnuts. Note: recipe is still delicious without the nuts if allergies are a concern. Serve with the Teddy Grahams or graham crackers/sticks on the side. Optional: you can also add a few drops of raspberry preserves to make it a chocolate/raspberry cheese ball, or you can use a combination of chips, such as white chocolate, peanut butter, butterscotch, etc.
Watch a video of this month’s winning recipe at micoopkitchen.com/videos
BAKLAVA
Karmen Nash, HomeWorks Tri-County Electric
1 cup sugar
1 cup honey
¾ cup water
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
½ teaspoon lemon zest
2 cinnamon sticks
¹⁄8 teaspoon ground cloves
¹⁄8 teaspoon ground cardamom
½ teaspoon rose water, optional
1 pound mixed nuts (pistachios, walnuts, pecans, almonds, etc.), finely chopped
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon salt (none if salted butter is used)
¼ cup brown sugar
2 sticks unsalted butter, melted
1 pound phyllo pastry sheets, thawed according to package instructions
Combine the sugar, honey, water, lemon juice, lemon zest, cinnamon sticks, cloves, cardamom, and rose water (if using) in a medium saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally with a wooden spoon, until sugar has dissolved (15–20 minutes). Reduce heat to medium-low and cook until syrup is slightly thickened, about 10 minutes. Remove the cinnamon sticks and lemon zest and set syrup aside to cool. In a medium mixing bowl, combine the chopped nuts, cinnamon, salt, and brown sugar; stir well. Using a pastry brush, lightly coat a 9x13-inch or 10x15-inch baking dish with melted butter. Position rack in center of oven
CRANBERRY NUT COFFEE CAKE
¼ cup brown sugar
Janice Harvey, Great Lakes Energy
½ cup chopped walnuts
½ teaspoon cinnamon
2 cups buttermilk biscuit mix
2 tablespoons sugar
1 egg
²⁄ ³ cup water
²⁄ ³ cup whole berry cranberry sauce
Icing:
½ cup confectioners’ (powdered) sugar
½ teaspoon vanilla
1 tablespoon warm water
and preheat oven to 350 F. Lay the phyllo sheets on a clean cutting board. Measure; if the sheets are approximately the same size as the baking dish you are using, proceed from here. If they are larger than your baking dish, use a sharp knife to cut approximately the same size as your baking dish. Cover sheets with plastic wrap and a lightly damp kitchen towel, as phyllo dries out very quickly if left uncovered. Uncover and recover without getting phyllo dough damp while you work. Place 2 sheets of phyllo in the bottom of buttered baking dish; lightly brush the entire top with melted butter. Place 2 sheets and butter the top. Place another 2 sheets and butter the top for a total of 6 phyllo layers. Spread at least ½ cup nut mixture evenly over buttered phyllo sheets. Repeat with 6 more sheets of phyllo, buttering every other layer, and topping with another ½ cup nut mixture until nut mixture is used up. Layer any remaining phyllo on top, buttering between each sheet, until all phyllo has been used. Use a sharp knife to make 4 cuts lengthwise through the layered phyllo at 1½ -inch intervals. Then cut diagonally across the strips at 1½ -inch intervals to form 36 diamond shapes. Bake the baklava until golden brown, uncovered, about 40 minutes. Remove from oven. Using a ladle or small measuring cup, slowly drizzle syrup over warm baklava. Allow to stand several hours before serving.
Preheat oven to 400 F. Mix brown sugar, walnuts, and cinnamon, then set aside. Combine biscuit mix, sugar, egg, and water and beat vigorously for 30 seconds. Spread in greased 9x9-inch pan and sprinkle with nut mixture. Also spoon cranberry sauce over top. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes. To make icing, blend all icing ingredients, adding a few more drops of water, if necessary, for a drizzling consistency. While warm, drizzle cake with icing. Enjoy!
PISTACHIO ALMOND COOKIES
Deb Finedell, Great Lakes Energy
1 cup butter, softened
¾ cup sugar
1 egg yolk, slightly beaten
2 teaspoons almond extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
½ cup ground almonds
½ cup finely chopped pistachios
• pinch of salt
Add the butter and sugar to a medium bowl and mix well. Beat in the egg yolk and almond extract. Sift together the flour and a pinch of salt into the mixture. Add the ground almonds. Stir until thoroughly combined. Halve the dough. Shape into balls and wrap in
plastic wrap. Chill in refrigerator for 30–60 minutes. Note: Refrigerating chills the butter and will prevent the cookies from spreading flat in the oven. Preheat oven to 375 F. Line 2 cookie sheets with parchment paper. Roll out dough between 2 sheets of parchment paper to about ¹⁄ 8 -inch thick. Sprinkle the pistachios over the dough and roll lightly with a rolling pin. Cut into pieces or use cookie cutters to create shapes. Place cookies on prepared cookie sheets, spaced 2 inches apart. Bake for 10–12 minutes. Let cool on cookie sheets for 5–10 minutes. Enjoy!
AA Home for the Holidays
few local families will soon be in brand-new homes, building new traditions just in time for the holidays this year. These new homes wouldn’t be possible without a little community support. Hayley Ball and her two children will be one of those families moving into the New Waves Habitat for Humanity housing development in Leelanau County.
Once completed, the New Waves Development will consist of 14 houses, with several set to be built and occupied by the end of this year. The Habitat program helps families like the Ball family realize their goals of homeownership with support, education, and a little hard work along the way. Hayley and her two kids are part of the program and are actively working to complete all the requirements and move into their new home in the New Waves Development.
Habitat’s program includes several steps and verifications for families to navigate in order to set them up for success. Habitat Homeowner Services Manager Sallie Krepps explained, “This is a hand up, not a handout.” The program is a true reflection of that philosophy.
The adults in each family accepted into the program invest what Habitat calls “sweat equity” into the creation of their new home. Families learn valuable lessons from a home buyer education course and work closely with Habitat and a community mentor, even after they move in. “Habitat really provides opportunity for people who are trying to keep their head above water. It just gives them that foot in the door,” said Hayley.
In addition to education on homeownership, Habitat works to make housing as affordable as possible by working with financial intuitions to keep mortgage rates at 30% or less of a family’s monthly income, while bridging the gap to maintain the home’s value. This process makes homeownership possible and attainable for hardworking families in this community. “We do not want to set people up to fail. We know owning a home is a costly thing. So, there’s quite a criteria. We’re not the step out of homelessness. There is a step in between homelessness and us,” said Sallie.
“Habitat gave me the means and the plan to step forward and be able to rebuild my life,” said Hayley. Even with that
By Bailey Watson
Photos courtesy of Habitat For Humanity Grand Traverse Region
“Habitat gave me the means and the plan to step forward and be able to rebuild my life.”
help, Hayley was cautious. But Sallie says, “We felt her cautiousness was healthy.”
Hayley had applied to the program several times over the years, so when her application was finally accepted, she recalled, “I just had to be brave enough to say yes.” And she was!
She broke ground on the land where her home will stand back in June. Since then, she’s invested time planting the gardens around the subdivision and even joined a team from Cherryland Electric Cooperative to volunteer on the construction of houses like hers. She is a willing and full participant in this process.
Habitat’s homeownership program doesn’t just give families a fresh start—it creates a sweeping impact across the community. The way participants invest their time and effort into their new homes while seeing how volunteers and local organizations invest their time and effort into their future creates a unique connection that has a ripple effect. “It instills a sense of community even after I am done with my sweat equity. I want to be part of this program,” Hayley said. “It is so good for the kids to see people can come together because we don’t know 90% of the people working on our house, but they’re building us a home.”
This kindness builds the community. Hayley just hopes other families get the “bug” to continue to give back and be part of the community that gave them this gift—like she did.
Hayley is just one of many examples of how this program and this development will change lives and better the community we live in. Sallie gets applications for the program every day. After a call for applications, she received almost 60 of them; however, only a handful were eligible for the program. Even so, Sallie says her favorite part of her job is instilling hope for these families. She says, “Even if people aren’t eligible, I spend a long time trying to get them to be eligible.” Hayley added, “That shows just how much Habitat cares.”
When looking toward the future, Sallie said, “We hope to have them [Hayley’s family] moved in by Christmas.” With a groundbreaking just earlier this year, it shows just how powerful a little manpower, ingenuity, and commitment can be. As for Hayley, she and the kids are just excited to have a fresh start and a space of their own to put down some roots.
If all goes to plan, they’ll finally be able to soak in that feeling of being home for the holidays.
From left: Hayley's parents, Jeff and Sylvia Norris; her daughter, Harlow; Hayley Ball; her son, Oakley. Harlow writing a message on a 2x4 that will become part of their new home.
Oakley, Hayley, and Harlow putting the first shovels in the ground.
ROGERS CITY ROCKS
WORLD’S LARGEST OPEN PIT QUARRY
By Emily Haines Lloyd | Photography by Tyler Leipprandt, Michigan Sky Media
The list of natural and manmade wonders that can be seen from space isn’t a long one. The Grand Canyon or Great Barrier Reef may come to mind. Others might think of the Pyramids of Giza or Dubai’s Palm Islands. And while Rogers City, Michigan, home to about 3,000 residents along Lake Huron, may not strike the same familiar chord, its world record-holding Carmeuse Calcite Quarry has put it on the map. Or rather–the globe.
A QUARRY OF EPIC PROPORTIONS
The largest open pit quarry in the world, Carmeuse Calcite Quarry (usually just referred to as “Calcite”) stretches four miles long and one and a half miles wide and spans an astonishing 8,000 acres. This massive operation, visible even from space, is a critical source of high-calcium limestone—a vital ingredient in products and processes we encounter daily.
The steel in our cars? Limestone.
The cement in our roads? Limestone.
The antacid you take after too many hot wings? Limestone.
FROM LOCAL LANDMARK TO GLOBAL ICON
Founded in 1910 by the Michigan Limestone & Chemical Company, the quarry began operations in 1912. Over a century later, now owned and operated by Belgium-based Carmeuse, it remains an essential part of the global limestone supply chain, producing about 10 million tons of material each year. Carmeuse is a member of Wolverine Power Marketing Cooperative.
“If we keep mining Calcite Quarry correctly,” said Carmeuse Site Operations Manager Scott Grulke, “this mine will keep producing for another 120 years.”
Calcite’s impact extends far beyond Rogers City. Its limestone has played a pivotal role in the construction of major infrastructure projects, such as the Mackinac Bridge and the interstate highway system. During World War I and II, the quarry’s output was crucial to produce steel, helping to build warships and other military hardware.
Despite its global significance, Calcite has never lost its connection to the local community. Generations of Rogers City residents have worked at the quarry, with many families counting multiple generations of miners among their ranks. The quarry is not just a place of work; it’s a part of the town’s identity.
“Historically, Calcite has been a big part of the community,” said Grulke. “We want to make sure that continues.”
A TOURIST ATTRACTION WITH DEEP COMMUNITY ROOTS
In addition to its industrial importance, the Carmeuse Calcite Quarry has become a popular tourist attraction. The viewing area, originally established in 1949, was a response to growing public interest. The attraction quickly gained popularity, and by 1951, over 37,000 visitors had come to see the quarry.
Today, the quarry remains a draw for sightseers. The “Quarry View” site, located just south of Rogers City, offers a glimpse into the immense scale of the operation. Visitors can watch as 150-ton trucks haul limestone across the quarry, their size dwarfing anything else in view.
A LASTING LEGACY
As it approaches its 112th year of operation, the Carmeuse Calcite Quarry remains a powerful example of how a small town can have global influence. With its limestone used in everything from road construction to sugar production to pharmaceuticals, Rogers City’s Calcite proves that even the smallest places can have massive impact.
Visit rogerscity.com/harbor-view to learn more and plan a visit.
FUEL MIX REPORT
The fuel mix characteristics of Cherryland Electric Cooperative as required by Public Act 141 of 2000 for the 12-month period ending 6/30/24.
Your Board In Action
September 2024
• Cherryland’s chief financial officer reported that the cooperative is on track to end the year with positive margins. Due to these margins, the board of directors approved a capital credit retirement of $570,000. Members will see their share of the retirement on their December bills.
• The board of directors was informed that the Cherryland Cares board reappointed Connie Deneweth to their board.
• The board of directors voted to amend the cooperative’s rebate program budget, increasing it by $50,000. With increased interest in the rebate program this year, the budget amendment will allow the cooperative to continue offering rebates through the end of the year.
• The communications and member relations manager provided some findings from the all-member survey conducted in August. One notable takeaway was that when asked if members would prioritize lower bills over reliability, over 75% of respondents chose reliability.
• Cooperative leadership updated the board on long-range facility planning. The board of directors has decided to take an option for a new building to the next research phase.
*Regional average information was obtained from the MPSC website and is for the 12-month period ending 12/31/23. Cherryland purchases 100% of its electricity from Wolverine Power Supply Cooperative, Inc., which provided this fuel mix and environmental data.
Enter to win up to $200 off your energy bill!
Submit Your “Musical Moments” Photos By Nov. 25!
Submit your best photo and encourage your friends to vote! The photo receiving the most votes in our Facebook contest will be printed in an issue of Country Lines, along with some of our other favorites. Our November theme is Musical Moments! Photos can be submitted through Nov.25 to be featured in our February issue.
Enter Your Photos And Win A Bill Credit!
To enter the contest, visit cherrylandelectric.coop/photo-contest or visit facebook.com/cherrylandelectriccoop for a link to the current photo contest. Enter your picture, cast your vote, and encourage others to vote for you as well. If your photo is printed in Country Lines during 2025, you will be entered to win a credit of up to $200 on your December 2025 bill.
“Fall Time”—Laurie Johnston
”4th of July”—Janet Kivell
”Spooky Time”—Kayla Morrison
”Everything’s Rosy”—Donna Cramer
”Crabbing Good Time”—Tammy Jarvis
“Christmas Fabric Wreath”—Doug Haberland
Mystery
Photo
Win a $100 energy bill credit!
Where In Michigan Is This?
Identify the correct location of the photo above by Nov. 27 and be entered into a drawing to win a $100 electric bill credit. Enter your guess at countrylines.com/community
September 2024 Winner! Our Mystery Photo winner is Pamela Bown, a HomeWorks Tri-County Electric member, who correctly identified the photo as the Water Maiden statue in Pentwater, Michigan.
Winners are announced in the following issues of Country Lines: January, March, May, July/ August, September, and November/December.
A A Thrice-Worn Dress
By Laura Payne, Great Lakes Energy Cooperative member
refreshing trend has begun in the world of weddings. Brides are not always looking for the newest and most expensive things to surround themselves with on their big day.
My aunt wore a lovely lace and tulle gown for her big day, and her oldest daughter decided she would escape the cost and hassle of finding a new wedding dress and would instead wear her mother’s wedding gown, as it fit her very nicely. But frugality runs deep in the family, so when the youngest daughter began planning her wedding, the dress now had a chance to serve not two but three brides. However, the youngest daughter wanted the dress altered to make it her own.
If you sew enough Halloween costumes, family members will eventually view you as a seamstress—even if you’re not. Thus, I was tasked with altering a 30-year-old wedding gown. I was excited, but I won’t lie—that first cut into my aunt’s beloved wedding dress was nothing short of terrifying. What if I couldn’t figure out what to do? What if I made a mistake and destroyed my cousin’s chances of wearing the dress altogether? But I was boldly determined to help my cousin create the gown of her dreams.
After staring at the dress on a dress form for weeks, I finally put a scissor blade on the cloth, and the creative process began. Finally, after several days of work, second-guessing myself more than once, and a few mistakes that had to be corrected, the dress was ready for my aunt’s youngest daughter to take her own trip down the aisle—a trip this dress now knew quite well. The wedding dress now qualified as “something old...something new... something borrowed...”
Guest Column Win $200 for stories published!
Share your fondest memories and stories. Win $200 for stories published. Visit countrylines.com/community to submit.
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