Oct. 2018, Cherryland

October 2018

MICHIGAN

COUNTRY LINES Cherryland Electric Cooperative

Beneficial Electrification No Longer A Dirty Word

Northwest Michigan’s Best Haunted Attractions Is Solar Leasing Right For You?

FALL Celebrate

On Mackinac Island

WATERFURNACE UNITS QUALIFY FOR A 30% FEDERAL TAX CREDIT 1

You don’t have to lower the thermostat to control your heating bills. WaterFurnace geothermal systems use the clean, renewable energy in your own backyard to provide savings of up to 70% on heating, cooling and hot water. And because WaterFurnace units don’t use any fossil fuels or combustion, the EPA calls it the most environmentally friendly and cost effective way to condition our homes.2 Call your local WaterFurnace dealer to learn how WaterFurnace is good for the environment, your budget and the feeling in your toes.

YOUR LOCAL WATERFURNACE DEALERS

Bad Axe B & D Htg (989) 269-5280 bdheating.com

Clifford Orton Refrig & Htg (989) 761-7691 sanduskygeothermal.com

Berrien Springs WaterFurnace Michiana (269) 473-5667 gogreenmichgeothermal.com

Hart/Ludington Adams Htg & Clg (231) 873-2665 adamsheatingcooling.com

Big Rapids Stratz Htg & Clg, Inc. (231) 796-3717 stratzgeocomfort.com

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

Caro AllTemp Comfort, Inc. (866) 844-HEAT (4328) geo4less.com

Kalkaska Kalkaska Plmb & Htg (231) 258-3588 kalkaskageothermal.net

Michigan Center Comfort 1/Aire Serv of Southern Michigan (517) 764-1500 comfort1.net/geothermal

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

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

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

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

Traverse City D & W Mechanical (231) 941-1215 dwgeothermal.com

Kiessel Geothermal Htg & Clg (231) 747-7509 kiesselsgeo.com

visit us at waterfurnace.com WaterFurnace is a registered trademark of WaterFurnace International, Inc. 1. 30% through 2019, 26% through 2020 and 22% through 2021 2. EPA study “Space Conditioning, The Next Frontier” (Report 430-R-93-004)

In This Issue October 2018 || Vol. 38, No. 9

Michigan’s Electric Cooperatives countrylines.com

Executive Editor: Casey Clark Editor: Christine Dorr Copy Editor: Heidi Spencer Design and Layout: Karreen Bird Publisher: Michigan Electric Cooperative Association Michigan Country Lines, USPS-591710, 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 are Robert Kran, Great Lakes Energy, chairman; Mark Kappler, HomeWorks Tri-County Electric, vice chairman; and Eric Baker, Wolverine Power Cooperative, secretary-treasurer.

Craig Borr is 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

countrylines.com

facebook.com/ michigancountrylines

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.

ON THE COVER Enjoy fall on the island. The delightfully crispy air, magnificent color, miles of trails and a variety of fall events await on Mackinac Island.

6 ENERGY A Full House Of Energy Savings 7 SAFETY Guns And Powerlines: Tips To Stay Safe 10 MI CO-OP KITCHEN Enjoy These Delicious Sweet Treat Recipes Christin McKamey & Our Readers

Enjoy A Fall Classic Pumpkin Cheesecake Recipe Courtesy Of Island House Executive Chef Phil Kromer Enter Our Recipe Contest And Win A $50 Bill Credit!

14 FEATURE Celebrate Fall On Mackinac Island Emily Haines Lloyd

18 MI CO-OP COMMUNITY I Remember...

Before The Bridge Luman Slade, Presque Isle Electric & Gas Co-op

Win $150 for stories published.

Guest Column Country Lines invites members to submit stories.

Guidelines 1. Approximately 350 words 2. Digital photos must be at least 600 KB 3. Submit your guest column at countrylines.com under the MI Co-op Community tab Win $50 for stories published.

I Remember...

We invite members to share their fondest memories.

Guidelines 1. Approximately 200 words 2. Digital photos must be at least 600 KB 3. Submit your memory at: countrylines.com under the MI Co-op Community tab.

MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES

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LEELANAU

BENZIE

GRAND TRAVERSE

MANISTEE

WEXFORD

KALKASKA

Board Of Directors

CO-OP NEWS One of the guiding principles of cooperatives is cooperation among cooperatives.

In the event of major storms, electric cooperatives often share manpower, equipment, and other resources to quickly and safely restore power.

TERRY LAUTNER President 231-946-4623 tlautner@cherrylandelectric.coop TOM VAN PELT Senior Vice President 231-386-5234 tvanpelt@cherrylandelectric.coop MELINDA LAUTNER Secretary 231-947-2509 mlautner@cherrylandelectric.coop DAVID SCHWEITZER Treasurer 231-883-5860 dschweitzer@cherrylandelectric.coop JOHN OLSON Director 231-938-1228 jolson@cherrylandelectric.coop GABE SCHNEIDER Director 517-449-6453 gschneider@cherrylandelectric.coop JON ZICKERT Director 231-631-1337 jzickert@cherrylandelectric.coop GENERAL MANAGER Tony Anderson CO-OP EDITORS Rachel Johnson Rob Marsh

OFFICE HOURS Monday–Friday 7:30 a.m.– 4 p.m.

TELEPHONE NUMBERS 231-486-9200 or 1-800-442-8616 (Mich.)

ADDRESS P.O. Box 298, Grawn, MI 49637 WEBSITE cherrylandelectric.coop PAY STATION Cherryland Electric Cooperative office 5930 U.S. 31 South, Grawn MI, 49637 Cherryland Electric Cooperative is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

Follow us on Facebook. facebook.com/cherrylandelectriccoop Follow us on Instagram. @cherrylandec

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October Is National Cooperative Month Cherryland is one of more than 900 electric cooperatives, public utility districts and public power districts serving 42 million people in 47 states. Thank you to all the co-op members and employees that keep Cherryland and the cooperative tradition alive and well.

Cherryland Buys And Donates Pigs At The Fair The co-op purchased pigs from Cherryland members Dmitry Dean and John VanHorn during the 4-H livestock auction at the Northwestern Michigan Fair in August. The pigs were then donated to the Father Fred Foundation and Goodwill Food Rescue. Dean and VanHorn plan to use the funds from the auction to pay for college.

The co-op also received an award from the Northwest Michigan 4-H Livestock Council for purchasing and donating over $20,000 worth of livestock in its history.

Members Support Local Nonprofits Through Cherryland Cares Cherryland Cares distributes funds to local nonprofit organizations in need of financial support. The funds distributed by Cherryland Cares are a result of members electing to round up their monthly bills to the nearest dollar. Members can contribute to the Cherryland Cares fund by calling 231-486-9200, signing up through SmartHub, or sending an email to cec@cherrylandelectric.coop.

If you are an area nonprofit agency seeking financial help, please call Shannon Mattson at 231-486-9234 or email smattson@cherrylandelectric.coop. The deadline for fourth quarter applications is Friday, Dec. 7.

Date Set For Cherryland’s 81st Annual Meeting Cherryland’s 81st Annual Meeting will take place Thursday, June 20, at Incredible Mo’s in Grawn. Mark your calendars for an evening of food, fun and information. The event is free for all Cherryland members.

Not A Dirty Word Tony Anderson, General Manager

I can honestly say (although I have never agreed) that there was a long period, maybe the last 10 years in particular, when using electricity to heat water for your home was considered almost “dirty.” Common thoughts were that electricity was more expensive than propane or that electricity was produced primarily with coal and, by association, was then responsible for all the maladies of climate change.

When you add price to a low-carbon power supply, informed energy consumers are waking up to the fact that they can save hard-earned dollars AND support the environment at the same time simply by using more electricity for a basic need like heat. It is a triple win as the member reduces costs, the cooperative increases sales (which contributes to fewer future rate increases) and less greenhouse gases are emitted.

Well, I am happy to report that the tide is turning. More and more, I am reading about “beneficial electrification.”

I believe beneficial electrification will be a common slogan Beneficial electrification is a term in electric vehicle (EV) sales as for replacing direct fossil fuel use we move into this new era as (propane, heating oil, gasoline) with “ At Cherryland Electric Cooperative, well. EVs are poised to become electricity in a way that reduces the poster child for the multiple we are 18 percent renewable overall emissions and energy costs. energy; and when nuclear energy wins of beneficial electrification.

Think about it—less car fumes supply is accounted for, we stand filling the air, no stops at the gas So, what has turned the tide?

Nationwide, I believe it is the station, more electric sales for your at 56 percent carbon-free.” growth of renewable energy. The cooperative and cleaner air for percentage of renewable energy everyone to breath. in the average utilities’ power supply portfolio is simply much larger than it was 10 years ago. At Cherryland Electric At my house, I’m using a robot powered by a lithium-ion Cooperative, we are 18 percent renewable energy; and battery to mow my lawn. Stop by sometime, we can watch when nuclear energy supply is accounted for, we stand at “Mow-anna” do her thing while sipping on a cold beverage 56 percent carbon-free (maybe you have seen the ads or on my deck and talking about all the wins involved with heard the radio announcements?). electrifying your yard work (I have an awesome cordless electric weed trimmer too!).

Price is another thing that is turning the tide locally at your cooperative. We have had one rate increase in the last Electricity has been benefiting society since the first light seven years and the cost of fossil fuels like propane have bulb. I am beyond happy that we are moving into a new gone up 140 percent since 2008. The economics of heating time where the average consumer will be demanding more water and/or your home with electricity in the form of ways to electrify their lives and we all have one less dirty efficient electric water heaters or air-to-air heat pumps and word to think about. geothermal heat systems are now making sense to a wide range of consumers in all income classes.

MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES

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A Full House of Energy Savings ATTIC

In many homes, attic insulation is one of easiest, least expensive and most effective ways to reduce your energy use. In colder regions, a properly insulated attic also reduces the chance of ice dams.

BATHROOM

DEN/OFFICE

Plug all electronic gadgets such as phone and laptop chargers, printers, gaming consoles and BluRay players into a power strip with an on/off switch. When not in use, turn the power strip off to eliminate all those energy vampires.

BEDROOM

Ceiling fans can help save energy all year long! In the summer, fans should rotate counter clockwise to push air down, creating a cooling flow. In the winter, fans should rotate clockwise to help draw cool air up toward the ceiling, and push the warm air that naturally rises down to you and your family.

KITCHEN

LIVING ROOM

Smart thermostats learn how you and your family live, and automatically adjust the temperature settings based on your lifestyle to keep you comfortable while saving you money.

Take a short shower instead of a bath. Short showers use much less water, and you’ll also save energy by not heating all that extra water!

Make sure your burner isn’t bigger than the pan, and use flat-bottomed pans to maximize surface contact with the burner.

Don’t preheat the oven until you’re ready to use it. Minimize the number of times you open and close the refrigerator or oven door.

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Want to learn about additional ways to save energy?

Contact your Michigan electric cooperative for more energy efficiency tips!

6 OCTOBER 2018

GUNS & POWERLINES Tips to Stay Sa�e

Shooting guns near power and transmission facilities (including wires, poles and insulators) is dangerous to you and jeopardizes everyone’s power.

Here are tips to help keep everyone safe.

Familiarize yourself with the location of power lines and equipment on land where you shoot especially in wooded areas where power lines are not as visible.

Your shot could damage the conductor, possibly dropping a phase to the ground.

If it’s dry and the electricity goes to the ground, there is the possibility of electrocution and wildfire.

Do not use power line wood poles or towers to support equipment used in your shooting activity.

Never attempt to shoot through the wires or at anything that may be on the wires or poles.

If your target is “sky lined” on a hill or power line and you cannot see what lies beyond, do not take the shot.

Do not place deer stands on utility poles or climb poles. Energized lines and equipment on the poles can conduct electricity to anyone who comes in contact with them, causing shock or electrocution.

Do not shoot at, or near, birds perching on utility lines. That goes for any firearm, including pistols, rifles or shotguns.

Do not place decoys on power lines or other utility equipment. Anything attached to a pole beside utility equipment can pose an obstruction––and a serious hazard––to electric cooperative employees as they perform utility operations.

MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES

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Boo!

Northwest Michigan,s Best Haunted Attractions Looking to give yourself a good scare? Northwest Michigan is home to some of the best haunted attractions in the state. Whether you are looking for a familyfriendly event or a place that will scare the pants off you, there is something for everyone at these local haunted attractions.

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HAUNTED ATTRACTION IN MICHIGAN

by TheScareFactor.com

Screams in the Dark Screams in the Dark in Traverse City is one of the most highly-rated haunted attractions in the state, including being voted the “#1 Haunted Attraction in Michigan” by TheScareFactor.com. This attraction is also one of the largest in northern Michigan as it uses every inch of the Northwestern Michigan Fairgrounds. If you are looking for a good scare, visit its four frightening haunts: The Haunted Hayride & Haunted Trail, Swamp of Suffering, Grimfell Asylum, and Pandemonium.

Recommended ages: The Hayride & Haunted Trail are recommended for guests 10 years and older. Swamp of Suffering, Grimfell Asylum, and Pandemonium are recommended for guests 14 years and older. screamsinthedark.com

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Ghost Farm of Kingsley Now in its eighth year, the Ghost Farm of Kingsley invites you to walk through their three haunted attractions: The Darkness Falls Haunted Trail, D.E.D. Pierce Manor, and Hysteria House. Prior to the haunted walk, you and your family and friends can cozy up to a fire, enjoy some fall treats, and listen to local ghost stories. Proceeds from the Ghost Farm go to local charities and youth organizations, including the local 4-H club.

Recommended Ages: While no formal age recommendation is given, the Ghost Farm offers “Dusk Walks” for families with young children during which the actors do not scare the guests. ghostfarm.net

Manistee Ghost Ship Throughout the year, the S.S. City of Milwaukee in Manistee rests as a National Historic Landmark museum, offering guided tours, museum exhibits, and facility rentals. In the fall, however, this 1930s steamship transforms into the acclaimed Ghost Ship. Guests can explore the ship’s five decks, narrow halls, and steep stairways and encounter all sorts of thrills and scares.

Recommended ages: The Ghost Ship is recommended for adults and teens. They do not suggest children under 7 years old attend. manisteeghostship.com

SATURDAYS IN OCTOBER: 13, 20 & 27 2-6pm 2:30pm 3pm 3:30pm

Wagon rides, caramel apples, petting zoo, pumpkin carving and more!

Burlap Races Fall Bingo Pumpkin Seed Spitting Contest

Spooktacular Saturdays at Crystal Mountain 4pm

4:30pm

Pin the Nose on the Pumpkin Fall Bingo

SPOOKY TRAIL WALK HAUNTED TRAIL WALK Enjoy a wide range ofAND fall activities the whole

family can 7:30 - 9:30pm: Choose between the family friendly Spooky Walk or terrifying enjoy at Crystal Mountain Resort in Thompsonville during Haunted Trail. Ride the Loki lift & follow the lanterns down your chosen trail. $7 per person, 6 & under free with paying adult. their Spooktacular Saturdays. The resort offers wagon rides, caramel apples, petting zoo, pumpkin carving, races, contests, and more. If you are looking for something a little scarier, families can ride the Loki lift and choose between CRYSTALMOUNTAIN.COM | 800.YOUR.MTN two trails: the family-friendly Spooky Walk or the terrifying Haunted Trail.

Spooky and Haunted Trails are weather permitting. Call the Mountain Adventure Zone at 888-968-7686 ext. 7500 for more information.

Recommended ages: The event is considered familyfriendly. crystalmountain.com

MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES

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Cookies And Cakes

You’ll be tempted to eat dessert first with these delicious sweet treats.

Photos—Robert Bruce Photography

Aunt Lydia’s Famous Carrot Cake (pictured) Karen Stewart, Great Lakes Energy 2 cups sugar 1½ cups vegetable or coconut oil 4 eggs 2 cups flour 2 teaspoons baking soda 1 teaspoon cinnamon

½ 3 ¾ ¾ ¾

teaspoon allspice cups grated carrots cup chopped walnuts cup raisins, optional cup unsweetened coconut flakes, optional

Aunt Lydia’s Famous Cream Cheese Frosting 1 8-ounce package 1 pound confectioner’s cream cheese (powdered) sugar 1 stick butter 1 teaspoon vanilla Preheat oven to 300 F. Combine cake ingredients in the order given.

Add batter to three greased and floured 8-inch layer pans (they will be thin). Bake for 40 minutes. Cool cakes on wire racks. While baking, make frosting by adding all the frosting ingredients to a medium bowl and blending with mixer until smooth. When cakes are cooled completely, place the first cake on plate or cutting board. Add ¹/³ of the frosting. Add next layer and another ¹/³ of the frosting. Add the remaining layer and remaining ¹/³ frosting. Cut and serve.

Watch a video of this recipe at

micoopkitchen.com/videos 10 OCTOBER 2018

Waffle Iron Cookies Claudia Kulnis, Great Lakes Energy 1 2½ 6 1

pound butter (4 sticks) cups sugar eggs, separated teaspoon vanilla

6 cups cake flour 1 teaspoon baking powder ½ teaspoon salt

Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy in a mixer. Add egg yolks one at a time and vanilla. Add cake flour, baking powder and salt. Beat egg whites in a separate bowl until stiff. Fold egg whites into first mixture. Bake on a hot, well greased waffle iron until golden brown. Note: Waffle irons differ. In mine, it takes 2½ minutes to produce 8 cookies at a time, two in each square. It is only necessary to grease the waffle iron for the first batch if using a Teflon coated waffle iron. Cool on wire racks, lifting each with the tines of a fork from the waffle iron. Cookies keep for a week in airtight containers and they freeze well. For speed and ease in baking, walnut-sized balls may be rolled ahead of time instead of dropping dough from a teaspoon.

Makes approximately 8–10 dozen depending on the size of the ball.

FEATURED GUEST CHEF Fall always calls for rich and flavorful comfort food.

This mouthwatering recipe from Mackinac Island’s own Island House Executive Chef, Phil Kromer, puts an autumnal twist on a classic cheesecake that will have you dreaming at night of leaves crunching under boots and the smell of bonfires in the air.

Double Chocolate Zucchini Cake Terry Kandell, Midwest Energy & Communications 3 3 1½ 1½ 1¼ 1 1 1½

medium zucchinis (1 pound) cups unsifted flour teaspoons baking powder teaspoons cinnamon teaspoons salt teaspoon baking soda teaspoon ground cloves cups oil (olive or avocado oil)

Glaze: 1 cup powdered sugar 1 tablespoon margarine or butter, softened • dash salt 2 tablespoons light corn syrup

2¹⁄ ³ cups firmly packed brown sugar (1 pound) 4 eggs 2 squares unsweetened chocolate, melted 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate pieces 1 cup chopped pecans

2 tablespoons water ½ teaspoon vanilla 1 square semi-sweet chocolate for curls, optional

Preheat oven to 350 F. Grate enough zucchini to make three cups. Grease and flour 10-inch tube pan; set aside. In a large bowl, combine flour, baking powder, cinnamon, salt, baking soda and cloves; set aside. In a large mixing bowl at medium speed, beat oil and sugar; then add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each. Gradually beat in melted chocolate. Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and beat until smooth. Fold in the zucchini, chocolate pieces, and pecans.

Bake 1 hour and 20 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean. Cool on wire rack 20 minutes. Remove from pan and put on wire rack.

To make the glaze, in a small bowl, beat sugar, margarine and salt. Add corn syrup, water, and vanilla. Spread glaze over cake and let set 10 minutes. Garnish with chocolate curls if desired. Serve immediately.

Pasta Perfect: due November 1 Ultimate Burgers: due December 1 Submit your favorite recipe for a chance to win a $50 bill credit and have your recipe featured in Country Lines.

Go to micoopkitchen.com for more information and to register.

Enter to win a

$50

energy bill credit!

Pumpkin Cheesecake Crust 1½ cups graham cracker crumbs ¼ cup melted butter 1 tablespoon sugar ¼ teaspoon cinnamon ¼ teaspoon salt Preheat oven to 350 F. Combine ingredients and press into springform pan. Bake for 8–10 minutes.

Wrap pan in two layers of aluminum foil when cool.

Pumpkin Filling 1½ pounds cream cheese at room temperature 1½ cups sugar 5 eggs 1 tablespoon vanilla extract 1½ teaspoon cinnamon ¼ teaspoon nutmeg 2 cups pumpkin puree Cream the cream cheese and sugar in stand mixer, scraping bowl frequently. Add eggs one at a time, beating in thoroughly, scraping bowl between each addition. Mix together remaining ingredients. Pour on top of crust and bake in a water bath at 350 F until set but slightly jiggly, about 75–90 minutes. Cool at least 6 hours, preferably overnight.

Read the full story about celebrating fall on Mackinac Island on page 14, and find this recipe and others at micoopkitchen.com.

MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES 11

SOLAR LEASING:

Too Good To Be True?

The recent solar boom in northern Michigan has attracted a new kind of outfit to our area: the solar leasing company. Their strategy is to contact multiple large property owners, lock down as much of that land as possible with potentially lucrative lease agreements, and then later decide if they will use any of it for a solar project or two.

Maybe you or your neighbors have received a call from a company like this.

Sound too good to be true? Here are some questions you should ask yourself before signing on the dotted line.

Do they have a relationship with my electric cooperative?

While installing solar panels is the job of the company, hooking them up to the grid requires the involvement of your co-op. So, it’s important that the company knows how we do things.

Regardless of whether they claim to have spoken with us or our power supplier, it’s always a good idea to check with us.

Will preparing my land for solar better my chances of getting a lease?

Not really. Most of the factors that will determine whether a project happens are out of your control. If you are asked to do some land preparation, hold off

on doing anything until it’s guaranteed that solar panels are being installed on your property or ask them to pay for it.

How do they decide which solar projects to move forward with?

Simple: the projects that give them the best bang for their buck.

Solar development companies look for utilities who will pay top dollar for the energy their solar panels produce. The price they would receive is determined by the utility’s current renewable contracts and their avoided cost: the cost of the power supply a utility would traditionally use, such as coal or nuclear plants, to provide power.

The good news for you is that your utility is supplied by state-leading renewable energy levels all while having a very low avoided cost, so you don’t have to pay as much on your electric bill. The bad news for the solar company is that they are not going to make very much off a solar project on your property. This means that if they are considering multiple locations in the same area, they are more likely to move forward with one served by another utility with a higher avoided cost.

What happens if they don’t decide to install solar panels on my property?

Agreements vary, but in general, you will not receive any significant lease payments unless they actually build a project. Plus, your property may remain tied up with the company for a pre-agreed upon amount of time. This means you may not be able to do what you want with your land until the end of the agreement. Sometimes that could be years.

Should I talk to a lawyer before agreeing to anything?

Yes! They can break down the agreement and help you make an informed decision.

SCENES FROM THE FAIR

Sonya and Rachel are all smiles playing cornhole and giving away prizes during Special Kids’ & Kids’ Day.

Cherryland’s 1941 Ford takes center stage at the gates of the fair.

Tony and Kerry prepare pancakes for hungry visitors during the fair’s opening day.

The co-op purchased pigs from Cherryland members Dmitry Dean and John VanHorn during the 4-H livestock auction. The pigs were then donated to the Father Fred Foundation and Goodwill Food Rescue. Both plan to use the funds from the auction to pay for college.

Your Board In Action August Board Meeting Highlights • The co-op’s chief financial officer presented to the board the results of the National Rural Utilities Cooperative Finance Corporation’s (CFC) key ratio trend analysis. The analysis compares the financials of cooperatives nationwide in a variety of categories.

For instance, Cherryland was ranked

third among similarly-sized cooperatives nationwide in lowest operating expenses per consumer in 2017.

• At the recommendation of the co-op’s chief financial officer, the board approved an increase in the co-op’s line of credit capacity with PNC Bank. The increase offsets the recent decrease in capacity from CoBank.

• The co-op’s member relations manager discussed with the board Cherryland’s state-mandated energy waste reduction (EWR) program. Year-to-date the co-op has achieved 70 percent of its energysavings goal. The co-op encouraged energy savings through a variety of measures, including offering rebates for Energy Star appliance upgrades.

MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES 13

FA L L Celebrate

On Mackinac Island

By Emily Haines Lloyd Photos courtesy of Mackinac Island Convention and Visitors Bureau

Fall in Michigan is a special time of year.

Color tours, cool days and crisp nights.

It’s what autumnal dreams are made of.

But if you want to take your October to the next level, there’s nothing like a ferry ride to Mackinac Island to remind yourself of everything to love about this special season.

It’s easy to imagine the island shuttering up at the end of summer, as the kids head back to school with sharpened pencils and fresh spiral notebooks. However, Mackinac Island has a rich second life in fall with the gorgeous burst of turning leaves, tempting lodging specials, annual events and shopping sales that are hard to resist.

“October is our most colorful month on the island,” said Tim Hygh, Executive Director of the Mackinac Island Convention and Visitors Bureau. “Our colors last a little longer than the

14 OCTOBER 2018

mainland. They extend until the end of October, as does the fun.”

The “fun” begins with decompressing when you hop a ferry in Mackinaw City or St. Ignace and feeling your blood pressure lower with each panoramic view of the Mackinac Straits, the “Mighty Mac” Bridge and eventually the island itself.

Disembark from the boat and take a step back in time. Horse-drawn carriages and bicycles meander down streets as you begin to forget you ever owned a car. There’s still a happy buzz of residents and visitors in the fall, but the crowds from the summer months have dissipated— allowing visitors to relax in a quieter atmosphere.

Stores and restaurants are still open, with nightly entertainment still scheduled through the end of October at local haunts. Tours are also still

1. Colorful Maple trees lining Mackinac Island’s Grand Boulevard.

2. Runners are gathered at Mission Point for the Great Turtle Run and Walk.

3. A variety of Halloween costumes make for entertaining people watching.

4. The Island House Hotel surrounded by fall colors.

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3 booking—whether you’re looking to explore local lighthouses or take a sunset cruise around the island.

If you’re hoping to spend your time communing with nature, there are always bicycle and horse rentals. Or you can lace up your favorite hiking boots and explore more than 140 miles of hiking trails on the island.

“Each October, we close the season out with our Halloween celebration,” said Hygh. “It’s such a special time of natural beauty and good, old-fashioned fun.”

On Mackinac Island, Halloween always falls on the last Saturday in October. Festivities kick off with the annual Great Turtle Trail Run on Saturday morning. Cooler temperatures and

4 colorful views keep the 2,500-3,000 walkers and runners coming back year after year. From 3 to 5 p.m. Main Street and side street shops open their doors to trick-or-treaters for a parade of costumes and the inevitable sugar rush that follows. In the evening, adults take their costumes out for a second spin of bustling nightlife at local pubs and restaurants. By the end of the weekend, visitors agree that a visit to Mackinac Island in October guarantees far more treats than tricks.

“Our COLORS LAST A LITTLE LONGER than the mainland.

They extend until the end of October, as does the FUN.” —Tim Hygh MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES 15

Do the Right Thing. Be Better.

Shannon Mattson, Administrative Assistant

“Dad expected us to work hard, fix things ourselves, always do the right thing, and be better.”

When asked to describe my dad, Richard Edington, I immediately think of the “Marlboro Man.” Dad wore a buttondown denim or flannel shirt, jeans, and cowboy boots every day of the week. Every. Day. His shirt pocket was never without a small notepad and pen, which laid neatly behind his lighter and a pack of cigarettes.

Picture the farmer, the cowboy; working his cattle, horses, and land all hours of the day and into the night. He was gruff, straightforward, and a bit scary at times, but he was also honest, funny, and deeply loving to his family. This was my dad, Richard Edington.

Dad had eight kids, a wife who was his opposite, and a large farm in the eastern Upper Peninsula. Our backyard was 80 acres of animals, hay, and lots of dirt. We did chores, rode horses, and drove tractors.

Dad expected us to work hard, fix things ourselves (I struggle with that to this day— some things just don’t stick!), always do the right thing, and be better.

He was the guy people turned to. I remember pulling in the driveway with my mom and seeing my dad running for his truck, gripping his welding gear. He yelled at my mom to call 911 because our neighbor was stuck in a small hay baler just over from our property. Without hesitation, my dad raced over, cut him out of the baler, and wrapped him up while they waited for the ambulance. No one else had the stomach for it. The neighbor lived and still tells the tale.

There are countless stories of my dad helping neighboring farmers and family

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My dad, Richard Edington

members: pulling strangers out of the ditch on our road in the middle of the night, putting up hay for others when he had his own crop to tend to, and fixing one more piece of equipment because he knew how to fix everything. The list goes on and on.

I lost my Dad in June of 2014. We laid him to rest in a button-down, denim shirt, jeans, his “nice” cowboy boots, a notepad, and pen. A horse-drawn wagon brought him to the quaint cemetery down the road from our family farm. His funeral was packed with family, close friends, and long-lost friends who came to pay their respects.

Later in the day, my daughter and I had a moment to reflect. So many stories were told, new and old, but the theme was recurring. My Dad always did the right thing. He was always striving to be better.

At that moment with my daughter, I was inspired to live life more like that “Marlboro Man.” I would continue to work hard, maybe, learn to fix a few things myself (maybe Dad, you know what this looks like), but most importantly do the right thing and be better.

Most Votes On Facebook!

Photo Contest Pumpkin Faces 1. “Precious Pumpkin Twins!” by Susan Nanasi 2. “Nature’s Bounty!” by Joetta Brooks 3. “Even jack o’ lanterns smiled when on the ‘Throne of a Thousand Swords.’

Ready for Game of Thrones.” by Joe Deater 4. “The most sincere pumpkins in the patch.” by Karen Popa 5. “The Pumpkin Patch: ‘Super Facial’ Pumpkin Carvings!” by Curt Wong

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Submit Your “Cutest Kids” Photos!

Submit your best photo and encourage your friends to vote!

The photo receiving the most votes from our Facebook contest will be printed in an issue of Country Lines along with some of our other favorites.

$200

energy bill credit!

Our October theme is Cutest Kids. Photos can be submitted from October 1 to October 20 to be featured in our January 2019 issue.

Enter Your Photos And Win A Bill Credit!

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To enter the contest visit facebook.com/cherrylandelectriccoop and click “Photo Contest” from the menu tabs. If you’re not on Facebook, that’s okay. You can also enter the contest at cherrylandelectric.coop/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 2019, you will be entered to win a credit of up to $200 on your December 2019 bill.

MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES 17

I Remember...

SPOTLIGHT ON

co-op

Entrepreneurs

SUBMIT A NOMINATION TODAY! Photo: Don Harrison, flickr.com/photos/upnorthmemories/6172941099

Michigan Country Lines is on the hunt for entrepreneurial movers and shakers to showcase in our March 2019 magazine. We know co-op members are awesome and there is no shortage of pioneers, innovators and leaders in our service territory.

Featured entrepreneurial endeavors can be small start-ups, large operations or anything in between.

If you know a friend, neighbor or coworker we should consider, nominate them by December 31 at countrylines.com.

Self-nominations are accepted.

Before The Bridge I was 10 in 1951 when I first crossed the Straits of Mackinac on a ferryboat, and first saw Michigan’s beautiful Upper Peninsula. Our family was traveling to a lake near Channing for a week of fishing. It was the most exciting trip I had ever taken.

As we neared Mackinaw City, an overhead sign said, “Straits of Mackinac— 25 miles.” The traffic became so heavy it took us forever to go that last 25 miles. Then we waited another hour or so to board the City of Cheboygan ferry. While waiting, we ate smoked whitefish and soda crackers which were sold, car to car, by vendors. We supplemented those delicacies with Kool-Aid and Better Made potato chips. It was a wonderful meal!

After our car was blocked in place on the ferryboat, we all went up to the top deck for better views. Everyone waved when the City of Petoskey ferryboat passed by going the other way. I took lots of pictures with my Six-20 Brownie Junior camera.

I made many additional ferryboat trips back and forth between Michigan’s two peninsulas before the Mackinac Bridge opened for traffic in 1957, but none were as memorable as was that first trip.

Luman Slade, Presque Isle Electric & Gas Co-op Michigan author Luman Slade has published four books for young readers. One of his books, “There’s a Bear in the Raspberry Patch,” is a young boy’s story of his adventures at his grandfather’s cabin in the U.P. His books are available at many stores in Michigan and through his website: lumanslade.com.

18 OCTOBER 2018

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YEAR 1 What if it could cost less to enjoy a more comfortable home?

With Well-Connect, it does.

Well-Connect is an affordable alternative to heating and cooling rural homes and works in combination with your home’s current heating system. This hybrid approach allows almost any existing well to become a free, clean energy source for heating and cooling your home. Well-Connect heats for 50%-75% less than propane, fuel oil or electric and those savings more than cover the cost of the system.

Hybrid Geothermal

Schedule a Home Visit | 989-356-2113 | wellconnectsaves.com

cherrylandelectric.coop

SAFE, RELIABLE, AFFORDABLE ENERGY. THEN. NOW. ALWAYS. We are proud to power your life.

OCTOBER IS NATIONAL CO-OP MONTH