COUNTRY LINES
CITY ROCKS
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!
ontonagon.coop
/OntonagonCountyREA
500 J.K. Paul Street
Ontonagon, MI 49953
906-884-4151
800-562-7128
After hours: 866-639-6098
OFFICERS & DIRECTORS
William Hodges, President Lake Linden District
906-934-3743 • district7@ontorea.com
Calvin Koski, Vice President Aura District
906-524-6988 • district4@ontorea.com
Mildred Ann Gasperich, Secretary Boston District
906-337-5079 • district6@ontorea.com
Randy Myhren, Treasurer Green/Firesteel/Toivola District 906-884-4092 • district1@ontorea.com
Jack Lehto, Director Pelkie/Herman/Aura District 906-353-6684 • district3@ontorea.com
Paul Koski, Director Ewen/Trout Creek/Lake Mine District district2@ontorea.com
Michael Gaunt, Director Chassell/Keweenaw Bay District 906-370-8133 • district5@ontorea.com
PERSONNEL
Dallas Aho, CEO/General Manager
Alex Watson, Billing Clerk
Justin Sironen, Operations Manager Kelsey Preiss, Administrative Assistant
OTHER INFORMATION
Date of Incorporation: Sept. 30, 1937 Fiscal year-end: Dec. 31 countrylines.com/coops/ontonagon
Ontonagon County REA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
TServing Up Savings
Dallas Aho, General Manager
he holiday season is just around the corner and soon, festive music will flood the airwaves, sparkling lights and decorations will adorn homes and businesses, and good tidings will abound. The holidays also bring a frenzy of decorating, cooking, and family gatherings, and amid the hectic hustle and bustle, you may receive higher-than-usual energy bills.
Keeping this in mind, I thought this month would be a good time to remind Ontonagon REA members of a few programs and efficiency tips to help lower your monthly energy use.
Be festive without breaking the bank.
My wife Andrea insists that I bring the Christmas decorations down from the attic faster than we can finish the Thanksgiving turkey. With holiday lights adorning our home for well over a month, we decided to make the switch to LEDs to save energy.
LED holiday lights use 88% less energy than incandescent holiday lights. To put that into perspective, the Department of Energy estimates that with standard holiday decorations, LED lights typically increase energy bills by about $5 to $7. But with incandescent lights, energy bills will typically increase by $33 or more. For homes that go above and beyond with incandescent holiday lighting (think Clark Griswold), energy bills could increase by as much as $350. Beyond energy savings, LEDs provide additional benefits, such as being shock-resistant, shatterproof, and cool to the touch, making them safer for the home.
You can also lower energy use by conveniently managing holiday lighting. Smart light timers can help you save energy by connecting to a smart phone app or voice assistant to program lights to turn on and off at set times. If you don’t use smart home technology, you can still save energy by using traditional timers.
Cook
up energy savings in the kitchen.
If you plan to have family and friends over this holiday season, you can cook up energy savings by using small countertop appliances like microwaves, air fryers, and slow cookers when possible, as they use much less energy than the stovetop or oven.
When using the oven, bake multiple dishes at once for maximum efficiency. After all, it takes as much energy to cook one dish as it does to cook several. Turn the oven off a few minutes before the recipe’s end time and allow the residual heat to finish baking the dish. Once the food is done, leave the stove door ajar to allow the residual heat to warm the room.
I hope a few of these tips will be helpful as we approach the holiday season. Remember, we’re here to answer any questions you have about managing energy use or your monthly bills. With a little planning upfront, you can find efficient ways to save on everything from holiday décor to your favorite pumpkin pie recipe.
From your friends at Ontonagon REA, we hope you have a wonderful holiday season.
Happy Holidays
Holiday Office Closings
Ontonagon REA will be closed on the following dates in observance of these upcoming holidays
Thanksgiving: Thursday, Nov. 28, and Friday, Nov. 29
Christmas: Tuesday, Dec. 24, and Wednesday, Dec. 25
New Year’s: Tuesday, Dec. 31, and Wednesday, Jan. 1
Meet Your New Employee: Kelsey Preiss
Ontonagon REA is excited to welcome Kelsey Preiss as our new administrative assistant. A lifelong resident of Ontonagon County, Kelsey holds an associate degree in general business from Gogebic Community College. Before joining the REA on Sept. 3, she worked as a talent specialist at Michigan Works. “So far, everything is going really well. Everyone here has been very helpful with explaining operations to me,” Kelsey shared.
Outside of work, Kelsey is actively involved in the community. She serves as president of the Ontonagon Jury Board and the Ontonagon Area
Figure Skating Club, and is secretary of the Ontonagon County Cancer Association.
Kelsey and her partner Cam recently purchased a home, where they live with their 7-year-old daughter Braylee. In her spare time, she enjoys outdoor adventures, camping, and reading.
General Manager Dallas Aho adds, “We are thrilled to welcome Kelsey to the Ontonagon County REA team. She brings valuable administrative experience and is deeply connected to our community through her volunteer work. Please join me in giving Kelsey a warm welcome!”
Ontonagon REA Represented at 2024 Youth Tour
For the last 56 years, approximately 1,800 students from at least 44 states have participated in the Electric Cooperative Youth Tour program. This five-day, all-expenses paid trip, held each June, is a high-energy, interactive experience and is designed to help young people grow as leaders. Through an application and interview process, rising juniors and seniors are selected and sponsored by their local electric co-ops to travel to Washington, D.C., for a once-in-alifetime experience. Together with students from across the country, the selected Michigan students learn about co-ops, leadership, history, and the importance of civic engagement.
This year, Ontonagon REA chose Diana Torola of Chassell to represent the cooperative at the 2024 Youth Tour.
The 16-year-old junior attends Chassell High School, where she is an honor roll student and participates in track. Diana learned about the program by reading about it in Country Lines magazine. “I’ve always been a huge fan of history and when I read about the program, I was really excited. I’ve always wanted to go to Washington, D.C., and see the capital, so when this opportunity showed up, it was perfect,” she said.
Diana boarded a plane for Washington on June 18. Once there, she joined the other Youth Tour participants and toured historical sites, including Arlington National Cemetery, Capitol Hill, the Lincoln Memorial, Mount Vernon, the Smithsonian Institution, the U.S. Supreme Court, and more. “My favorite was being able to go to the top of the Washington Memorial and view all of D.C. from there. That was great,” she said.
Diana especially enjoyed being able to meet other Youth Tour participants from all over the United States. At the states event, held at the hotel, the delegates were given state pins to exchange with other delegates as a conversation icebreaker. “Being able to meet people from other
states and learning about where they were from was really fun and a great way to learn about other states. I really enjoyed meeting the other delegates,” she said.
She also met with local political representatives including Sen. Debbie Stabenow, who graciously posed for photos with the Youth Tour students. Rep. Jack Bergman’s office provided the students with a personal tour of the Capitol.
Diana is already thinking about her future, and she is interested in working in the veterinary science field. She is currently taking a health careers class in high school that is teaching her about all her options in this field. Diana’s hobbies include reading, hiking, and traveling.
General Manager Dallas Aho said, “Diana was an excellent representative for Ontonagon REA at the 2024 Youth Tour, and we are very pleased to have been able to offer this opportunity to her. We wish her all the best in her future endeavors.”
Diana is the daughter of Peter and Rebecca Torola.
Information on Youth Tour and how to apply can be found on page 16.
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.
Energy Efficiency Tips Heating Your Home
As winter settles in, follow these tips to help reduce your winter energy usage:
Prevent Air Leakage 1
• The Department of Energy says sealing air leaks could cut your heating usage by up to 30%.
Common leaks include:
- Utility cut-throughs and plumbing penetrations
- Gaps around chimneys and recessed lights
- Unfinished spaces behind cupboards and closets
- Window and door frames
- Attic hatches
- Outlets and light switches
• ENERGY STAR® says nine out of 10 United States homes don’t have enough insulation. Consider adding more (for example, in your attic) to keep warm air inside your home. Visit energystar.gov and search “insulation” for details on how you can check your home’s insulation levels.
Maintain Your Heating System 2
• Replace your filter every month.
• Have a professional inspect your furnace every year. They will ensure everything is working and point out problems before they become an emergency.
• If you use a pellet or wood stove, clean the flue regularly.
• When it's time to replace your system, select an energy-efficient model.
• Vacuum your vents and registers regularly, and ensure that vents aren't blocked by drapery and furniture.
3
Maintain Your Fireplace
• Keep the damper closed when not in use. Otherwise, warm air will escape up the chimney.
• When in use, lower the thermostat and open the nearest window slightly.
• Install tempered glass doors and a heat-air exchange system that blows warmed air back into the room.
• Check the seal on the fireplace flue damper and make it as snug as possible. Also, add caulking around the hearth.
4
Use Ceiling Fans
• Set your fan to a low speed with the blades rotating in a clockwise direction. This will push the warm air collected at the ceiling around the room.
5
Lower Your Thermostat
• Turn down your thermostat by 10 degrees for eight hours, and you could save up to 10% on your heating costs. Consider investing in a smart thermostat that automatically adjusts temperatures.
6
Let the Sunshine In
• Open curtains or blinds on sunny days to let the sun help warm your rooms.
• Close blinds and curtains at night to prevent heat from escaping.
Visit energy.gov/energysaver for more tips on improving your home's efficiency all year long.
Enter to win a $50 energy bill credit!
Submit A Photo & Win A Bill Credit!
Ontonagon REA members whose photos we print in Michigan Country Lines during 2024 will be entered in a drawing. Four lucky members will win a credit of $50 on their December 2024 energy bills!
Upcoming Topics and Deadlines:
Historical Treasures, due Nov. 25 (Jan./Feb. issue) Sunrise to Sunset , due Jan. 25 (March/April issue)
To submit photos, and for details and instructions, go to http://bit.ly/countrylines. We look forward to seeing your best photos!
2.
4.
1. Driftwood wreath. Susan LaFernier
My front door in the fall. Amy Hughes
3. Lake Superior driftwood wreath. Anne Kirkpatrick
Fall beauty. Ivana Enright
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!
Birch Bark and Barbed Wire
The Art of a Native American Veteran
By Yvonne Whitman
Larry Godfrey’s road to art was not a straight line but rather one comprised of twists, turns, and sometimes rocky paths. The Vietnam veteran began to dabble in creating art after a 30-year career as a boilermaker. Both Godfrey’s time serving his country in the Army and his Native American heritage impact the subject of his artwork. Godfrey served two tours of duty in Vietnam. “While doing my work as a heavy armored equipment mechanic, I found myself getting to know many of the guys very well. I would retrieve and fix up the beat-up vehicles and they would go out again,” Godfrey said. “A few days later, that same APC would come back in blown up again. I suffered survivors’ guilt when some of these men did not come back. I’m one of the lucky ones that were able to return home.”
Once retired, Godfrey literally and figuratively went back to his roots and
started crafting baskets, containers, ornaments, and other items. His mother was a Native American artist who had learned the skill of basket making from her mother, and as he was growing up, he would help her harvest black ash and sweet grass for the baskets. “My mother still has a big influence on my love of working with my hands to bring a new item to life from combining the natural materials. I regret now not paying more attention to her technique and her stories,” he said.
“I work with the same natural materials that my ancestors used—birch bark, spruce root, cedar, and sweetgrass, all of which I gather during long treks in the woods,” he said. “My love for the traditional ways they used them brings me to a place where I feel close to them and happy that I am continuing in their footsteps.” Godfrey believes in passing on this knowledge to others and has always enjoyed teaching classes.
After connecting with a fellow Sault Tribe member who built birch bark canoes, Godfrey began an apprenticeship with him. Utilizing birch bark, spruce roots, and traditional building methods, he built a 12-foot canoe that took him three years to complete. Much to his delight, his inaugural launch on Little Bay de Noc proved his canoe to be fully seaworthy. In 2011, he donated the canoe to the Crazy Horse Museum in South Dakota, where it is viewed by people from around the world.
As a self-described mixed media artist, Godfrey is now exploring new avenues creating art from salvaged metal. He constructs large metal sculpture pieces from repurposed copper, antique barb wire, old saw blades, and propane tanks. His sculptures are not only displayed in his backyard but will also be part of his one-person show in Manistique in August of 2025. His
“When you concentrate on doing a project, you forget everything else.”
large 10- to 12-foot dream catchers are prominently displayed on the campus of Bay College and in the courtyard at The Bonifas Fine Arts Center in Escanaba and are part of the permanent art collections of both institutions.
Godfrey’s evocative work, “Tormented,” has a particularly special meaning. “This sculpture is constructed of parts, and each part has a story. What it means to me is what has gone through my mind since I left Vietnam. The barbed wire, with all its sharp points, represents all the different stories that Vietnam veterans came back with after their time in the country’s war. The old hand-forged chair is bent but not broken. I used a little iron rebar to help hold it up, just
like the help all of us veterans need from time to time,” he said.
The base of the piece is constructed of parts from an armored personnel carrier (APC) and copper plate. “The APC drive sprocket represents part of my time in the 4th Infantry in Vietnam and the work I did to keep the vehicles running. I hand-forged the copper plate and then shot it full of bullet holes, which reminded me of those in the damaged APCs that I worked to repair in the performance of my duties, and where the trauma of my story took place,” Godfrey said. “In Native American belief, two feathers represent fallen warriors. By putting these items together, I created this sculpture to honor all the of the veterans who each
came home with their own stories of their experiences of war.”
For Godfrey, creating art is therapy. “When you concentrate on doing a project, you forget everything else,” he said.
And while Godfrey terms his metal work “junkyard art,” Bonifas Fine Arts Museum President Al Hansen begs to differ. “Larry’s work is phenomenal,” Hansen said. “He uses natural and salvaged items and puts them together sculpturally in a way that represents raw emotion. His pieces are powerful and thought provoking. It’s everything that art should be.”
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.
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• Be the first to know when applications are open: Scan the QR code or visit www.cooperativeyouthtour.com!
Five Ways to Safeguard Your Home This Winter
s the temperatures drop and the days grow shorter, there’s a natural inclination to create a warm and cozy haven at home. Unfortunately, as we see increased use of heating equipment, candles, and electrical items, the number of home fires tends to increase during winter months.
Here are five ways you can safeguard your home for the winter season.
1. Ensure carbon monoxide and smoke detectors are working properly. If your detectors are battery-operated, replace the batteries annually. Test the detectors once a month and give them a good dusting to ensure the sensors are clear of dirt and debris.
2. Inspect electrical cords. We depend on more cords during winter, whether for holiday lighting, extension cords, or portable heaters. Before using any corded items, double-check to make sure cords aren’t frayed or cracked. If you use portable space heaters, remember to keep them at least three feet away from flammable items. Use models that include an auto shut-off feature and overheat protection. Space heaters can take a toll on your energy bills. Use them efficiently (to heat smaller spaces) and safely. Never plug a space heater into a power strip. Speaking of power strips…
3. Avoid overloading electrical outlets and power strips. When overloaded with electrical items, outlets and power strips can overheat and catch fire. If you use power strips for multiple devices, make sure the strip can handle the electrical load. For a safer bet, look for power strips that include surge protection.
4. Clean the fireplace to improve safety and efficiency. There’s nothing better than a warm fire on a chilly night, but it’s important to maintain your fireplace for safety. As wood burns, a sticky substance known as creosote builds up in the chimney. When creosote buildup becomes too thick, a chimney fire can ignite. The chimney should be cleaned at least once a year to reduce fire risks. Regular cleaning also improves air flow and limits the amount of carbon monoxide that seeps indoors.
5. Practice safety in the kitchen. As we spend more time in the kitchen during the holiday season, be mindful of potential fire hazards. Never leave food that’s cooking on the stovetop unattended. Clean and remove spilled foods from cooking surfaces, and be mindful of where you place flammable items like dish towels.
Ontonagon REA wants you and your family to stay safe during the winter season. Visit www.ontonagon.coop for additional safety tips.
FUEL MIX REPORT
The fuel mix characteristics of Ontonagon REA as required by Public Act 141 of 2000 for the 12-month period ending 6/30/24.
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
REGIONAL AVERAGE FUEL MIX
*Regional average information was obtained from the MPSC website and is for the 12-month period ending 12/31/23. Figures for Ontonagon County REA are based on those of its power supplier, Wolverine Power Supply Cooperative, Inc., which provided
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!
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ELECTRICAL SAFETY TIPS FOR HUNTERS
This hunting season, we encourage all members to be aware of electrical equipment and take necessary precautions while hunting. Keep these safety tips in mind as you enjoy the great outdoors.
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Take notice of posted warning signs and keep clear of electrical equipment.
Do not shoot at or near power lines or insulators.
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Be especially careful in wooded areas where power lines may not be as visible.
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Know where power lines and equipment are located on the land where you hunt.
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Do not place deer stands on utility poles or climb poles. Energized lines and equipment can conduct electricity to anyone who comes in contact with them, causing shock or electrocution.
Do not place decoys on power lines or other utility equipment. Any nonelectrical equipment attached to a pole can pose an obstruction and serious hazard to our line crews.