Oct. 2019 GLE by Country Lines

October 2019

MICHIGAN

COUNTRY LINES Great Lakes Energy Cooperative

IRONMAN 70.3 TRAVERSE CITY

How To Get Involved With Your Co-op

GLE In The Community Community And The Lake County Historical SocietyÂ

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In This Issue October 2019 || Vol. 39, No. 9

Michigan’s Electric Cooperatives

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FEATURED PHOTO FROM

#micoopcommunity

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Your photo could be featured here.

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Executive Editor: Casey Clark Editor: Christine Dorr

Copy Editor: Heidi Spencer Design and Production: Karreen Bird

Come share in the splendor of rural Michigan with us

Recipe Editor: Christin McKamey Publisher: Michigan Electric Cooperative Association

michigancountrylines The fish around here don't stand a chance. @906_rose_photography

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.

ON THE COVER

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.

IRONMAN 70.3 athletes gear up for the swim portion of the race in late August as Traverse City hosted 2,500 athletes from around the world. Flip to page 14 to read about the grueling 1.2 mile swim, 56-mile bike ride and 13.1-mile run.

POSTMASTER: SEND ALL UAA TO CFS. Association ofﬁcers are Robert Kran, Great Lakes Energy, chairman; Tony Anderson, Cherryland Electric Cooperative, vice chairman; and Eric Baker, Wolverine Power Cooperative, secretarytreasurer. 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

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.

6 MI CO-OP COMMUNITY Guest Column: Fall Road Trippin’ With Christal Frost

From Harbor Springs to Cross Village, Christal shares her fun fall adventures. So grab a pen, take notes on her journey, and get ready to follow in her footsteps!

10 MI CO-OP KITCHEN Up Your Cooking Game With These Flavorful Venison Recipes

@michigancountrylines

18 MI CO-OP COMMUNITY Resources For Home Heating Assistance

Win $150 for stories published! Guest Column: Country Lines invites members to submit their fond memories and stories. For guidelines and to submit your guest column go to countrylines.com under the MI Co-op Community tab.

Christin McKamey & Our Readers

Featured Guest Chef: IRONMAN training coaches from Organic Training share a smoothie recipe to help the body recover after training sessions and to prepare for upcoming workouts. Enter Our Recipe Contest And Win A $50 Bill Credit!

14 FEATURE IRONMAN 70.3 Traverse City: Anything Is Possible Emily Haines Lloyd

Best of Michigan UP NEXT! Best Restaurants With A View: Tell us about your favorite spots with sights to behold. We will publish this member–recommended list in our February issue. Submit your favorites at countrylines.com under the MI Co-op Community tab by November 15.

MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES

Board of Directors

Mark Carson Chairman, District 2

01950 Anderson Rd., Boyne City, MI 49712 231-675-0561 • mcarson@glenergy.com

Robert Kran Vice-Chairman, District 6 7380 N. Tuttle Rd., Free Soil, MI 49411 231-464-5889 • bkran@glenergy.com

Paul Schemanski Secretary, District 1 5974 Stolt Rd., Petoskey, MI 49770 231-439-9079 • paul.schemanski@glenergy.com

Larry Monshor Treasurer, District 4 1541 Thumm Rd., Gaylord, MI 49735 989-370-2786 • lmonshor@glenergy.com

Howard Bowersox Director, District 8 23779 8 Mile Rd., Stanwood, MI 49346 219-670-0977 • hbowersox@glenergy.com

Paul Byl Director, District 7

9941 W. Buchanan Rd., Shelby, MI 49455 231-861-5911 • pbyl@glenergy.com

Richard Evans Director, District 3 11195 Essex Rd., Ellsworth, MI 49729 231-883-3146 • revans@glenergy.com

By The Community, For The Community

Dale Farrier Director, District 5

2261 Wheeler Lake Rd. NE, Kalkaska, MI 49646 231-564-0853 • dfarrier@glenergy.com

John LaForge Director, District 9

7363 Walters Rd., Delton, MI 49046 269-623-2284 • jlaforge@glenergy.com

President/CEO: Bill Scott 888-485-2537

Communications Director/Editor: Lacey Matthews 231-487-1316 lmatthews@glenergy.com

Boyne City Headquarters 1323 Boyne Ave., P.O. Box 70 Boyne City, MI 49712 Hours: 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m. M–F Phone: 888-485-2537 Email: glenergy@glenergy.com

To report an outage, call: 1-888-485-2537

gtlakes.com Change of Address: 888-485-2537, ext. 8924 Great Lakes Energy is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

facebook.com/greatlakesenergy

4 OCTOBER 2019

October is National Co-op Month.

Bill Scott, Great Lakes Energy President/CEO

ctober naturally brings to mind images of pumpkins, Halloween, beautiful fall foliage and let’s not forget football. But October is notable for another reason—it’s National Co-op Month. This is the time of year when cooperatives across the country, including Great Lakes Energy, celebrate who we are and more importantly, the members we serve. Cooperatives are different than other types of businesses. They fill a need to offer products and services that others won’t, like high-speed internet and electricity in rural areas. That’s because co-ops, like GLE, work for their members instead of investors. Similar to how GLE was built by members who came together to bring electricity to our communities, cooperatives are conveners for the common good. Your electric co-op exists to provide safe, reliable and affordable energy to you. Equally important is our mission to enrich the lives of the members we serve. As a co-op, we are well-suited to meet the needs of the community because we are locally governed. GLE’s leadership team and employees live in the communities which we serve. Our board of directors, who help set long-term priorities for the co-op, live locally on co-op lines. These board members have been nominated and elected by you*.

We know our members (that’s you!) have a valuable perspective. That’s why we are continually seeking your input. Whether through community events, our social media channels, or member meetings, we want to hear from you. Our close connection to the community ensures we get a first-hand perspective on local priorities. This enables us to make more informed decisions on long-term investments, such as Truestream fiber internet, automated meters, and vegetation management, to name a few.

democracy in action. Our People Fund grant program, supported by members who round-up their bill to the nearest dollar, has given more than $3.5 million in grants since 1999 to local community nonprofits.

“We hope you will think of GLE as more than your energy provider, but instead as a local business that supports this community and powers economic development and prosperity for the people.”

Another feature that sets our co-op apart from a traditional utility is one of our cooperative principles, “Concern for Community.” We partner with local organizations like the CharlevoixEmmet Intermediate School District in their Energy Fundamentals: A Lineworker Program to introduce local high school students to the career technical field. We participate in the Electric Cooperative Youth Tour, where we take six of our cooperative’s brightest young people to Washington, D.C. for a week-long immersion to experience

Ultimately, the larger community benefits from these programs because of you and your neighbors. You empower the co-op through your membership and through your participation in and support of these programs. We hope you will think of GLE as more than your energy provider, but instead as a local business that supports this community and powers economic development and prosperity for the people.

We will continue to learn from our members about their priorities so that we can better serve you— because your electric co-op was built by the community, for the community. *GLE management does not nominate or select board members. All board members are elected from and by cooperative members.

How to Get Involved in Your Co-op

2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Take a Survey

We send out a number of different surveys each year to discover ways we can better serve you. Let us know what you think. We’re listening.

Participate in the ACRE Co-op Owners for Political Action® program Join other co-op members in

political process.

Interact With Us on Social Media

We’re on several channels, with Facebook being the most popular.

Attend One of Our Free Events like one of our energy

seminars in spring and fall.

Read Our News

Michigan Country Lines, PowerTalk bill insert, and e-newsletters help you keep current with co-op news.

Enroll in the People Fund Your small donation each month adds up to a lot of good done in our communities.

Post a Google Review About Great Lakes Energy

Consider Running as a Candidate for the Board Seat in Your District

Let us know how we’re doing looking out for you.

Becoming a board member is a great opportunity for leaders who want to make an impact.

Learn more about these programs and how to get involved at gtlakes.com.

GUEST COLUMN

MI CO-OP Community

Fall pin’ p i r T d Roa With Christal Frost, Media Personality

THE BEST OF HARBOR SPRINGS AND CROSS VILLAGE

all is my absolute favorite time of year, and northern Michigan is the perfect place for a fall road trip! My traveling companion and I began our autumn adventure with a trip to Harbor Springs, driving along the famed “Tunnel of Trees,” a 27-and-a-half-mile scenic route in Emmet County. The winding road unveils a forest canopy of fall color that is absolutely breathtaking and the perfect way to start our journey! Of course, every road trip includes a good breakfast, and we found ours in Harbor Springs at Sam’s Graces, a charming cafe with excellent food that looks and feels like something you might ﬁnd in France. Sitting outside on the patio, surrounded by herb gardens and tomato plants, we sipped our coffee in an eclectic assortment of mugs that reminded me of breakfast at my grandma’s house. After breakfast, we made the short walk downtown and browsed the incredible selection of spices at Spice Harbor before checking out the amazing array of exquisite jewelry and hand-made art by American artists. We continued down Main Street to ﬁnd what is now my absolute favorite shop—Ivy Boutique. Ivy has adorable dresses, cozy sweaters and accessories that will brighten up every season. Our stroll then led us to Harbor Springs Harbormaster. Offering seasonal and transient boat slips, the marina is surrounded by an array of public parks and restaurants. One restaurant in particular is an absolute must for lunch or dinner—Stafford’s Pier Restaurant. A waterfront landmark in Harbor Springs since before prohibition, it was acquired by Stafford’s

6 OCTOBER 2019

Hospitality in 1970, and today Stafford’s Pier offers a variety of dining options, including Dudley’s Deck, Harbor Springs’ favorite outdoor venue. We dined in The Pointer Room, which extends out toward the beautiful yacht basin and enjoyed the chef’s special, a bacon lettuce and tomato on Naan bread with the most delicious local tomatoes I have ever tasted. After lunch, it was time to embark on the scenic drive along M-119 from Harbor Springs to Cross Village. The drive is remarkable—every curve reveals another surprise, including the charming Pond Hill Farm. This working farm offers beer and wine tastings, a café, general store, and livestock. We meandered through the General Store to the bar and café where I enjoyed the cider and wine tasting, while my friend sampled several of Pond Hill Farm’s famous beers. Then we came upon my favorite of activity of the day— vegetable sling shots! Buying a bucket of potato and squash as ammunition, we ﬁred in-season vegetables at a variety of targets. The food never goes to waste since owner and farmer Jimmy Spencer assigns the goats and pigs to clean up duty in the target zone after the farm closes. From Pond Hill, we continued our drive along M-119, passing meadows and the occasional panoramic view of Lake Michigan—ﬁnally reaching Cross Village. Cross Village has a rich and varied history, which dates back to the 1600s when the Odawa and Ojibwa Indian tribes resided in this area. Today, Cross Village is best known for Legs Inn, the most

s Vill a

Downtown Cross Village: • Legs Inn

119

See Harbor Springs And Cross Village In Action

Christal Frost ﬁlmed her Harbor Springs and Cross Village adventure, now available on countrylines.com.

119

nic Driv

Fall is a special time in northern Michigan. So, what are you waiting for? Enjoy the ride!

Tun

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iconic restaurant in northern Michigan. Owned by the Smolak family for almost 100 years, Legs Inn offers more than homemade Polish cuisine and fresh, locally caught whiteﬁsh. Legs Inn is equal parts food, views and history. One visit to Legs Inn is never enough to appreciate its artistry and unusual architecture. As for the food, the pierogi is phenomenal and the smoked whiteﬁsh pate’ is a must.

For behind-the-scenes footage, see the “Road Trippin” story highlight album on our Instagram @michigancountrylines.

Pon

il dH lF

Christal Frost is a media personality who can be heard on Today’s Country Music-WTCM, The Christal Frost Show on NewsTalk 580-WTCM AM.

• • • • • •

Sam’s Graces Spice Harbor Ivy Boutique Harbor Springs Harbormaster Stafford’s Pier Restaurant Dudley’s Deck

Ha r

Downtown Harbor Springs:

r Sp ri

119

MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES

SPOTLIGHT ON

co-op entrepreneurs SUBMIT A NOMINATION TODAY!

Michigan Country Lines is on the hunt for entrepreneurial movers and shakers to showcase in our March 2020 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.

Cast a ll p e S on Phantom Energy SAVE ENERGY & MONEY

Ghosts and goblins may visit only on Halloween, but phantom energy lurks in your home all year long. Phantom energy is the power used by devices even when they are turned off. Lower your home’s phantom energy use today…

• UNPLUG UNUSED computer and phone chargers • USE POWER STRIPS to turn off computers, TVs, and gaming consoles • SHUT OFF ELECTRONICS automatically with smart power strips

MICHIGAN-ENERGY.ORG | 877.296.4319 Energy Optimization programs and incentives are applicable to Michigan electric service locations only. Other restrictions may apply. For a complete list of participating utilities, visit michigan-energy.org.

GLE Photo Contest

Most Votes On Facebook!

Favorite Costumes 1. A dog, dragon and shark … oh, my!”—Erika Slackwell, Elmira 2. A little “lady” bug—Sarah Lohman, Montague 3. H alloween kissin’ cousins— Joni VanNieuwenhuyzen, Shelbyville 4. A Hobbit girl and her pony— Janice O’Donnell, Rothbury 5. D orothy and Toto—Sadie Wiltshire, Hersey 6. C ountry Road Imagination— Carrie Milam, Mancelona

Submit Your “Take The Cake” Photos!

Enter to win a

Each month members can submit photos on Facebook or our website for our photo contest. The photo with the most votes is published here along with other selections.

$200

energy bill credit!

Our October contest theme is Take The Cake. Photos can be submitted by October 20 to be featured in the January 2020 issue.

How To Enter:

Visit Facebook.com/greatlakesenergy and click “Photo Contest” from the menu tabs. Not on Facebook? You can also enter the contest at gtlakes.com/photocontest. Make sure to vote and encourage others to vote for you, too.

The photo receiving the most votes from our online and Facebook contest will be printed in an issue of Michigan Country Lines along with some of our other favorites. All photos printed in the magazine in 2020 will be entered to win a $200 bill credit in December 2020. MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES

Venison

Up your cooking game with these creative and ﬂavorful recipes. Photos by Robert Bruce Photography Recipes Submitted By MCL Readers And Tested By Recipe Editor Christin McKamey

Winning Recipe!

Venison Swedish Meatballs Jessica Arnold, Great Lakes Energy ¾ 1 2 3 2 1½ 1½ ½ 2¾ 2 1 1 ¼

cup seasoned breadcrumbs medium onion, chopped eggs, lightly beaten tablespoons parsley teaspoons ground pepper, divided teaspoons salt pounds ground venison cup all-purpose ﬂour cup half and half (10½ ounce each) cans beefy mushroom soup, undiluted tablespoon Worcestershire sauce package (16-ounce) egg noodles cup butter

In a large bowl combine breadcrumbs, onion, eggs, 2 tablespoons parsley, 1 teaspoon pepper, ¾ teaspoon salt and ground venison. Shape into 1½-inch meatballs. In a large skillet, brown meatballs. Set aside on a paper towel-lined plate to drain; reserve drippings in pan. For gravy, stir ﬂour into drippings; cook and stir 2—3 minutes. Gradually whisk in half and half until smooth. Stir in the soup, Worcestershire sauce, remaining 1 teaspoon pepper and remaining ¾ teaspoon salt. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened——return meatballs to pan. Cook, uncovered, 10 OCTOBER 2019

15—20 minutes longer or until meatballs are cooked through, stirring occasionally. Meanwhile, cook noodles according to package directions. Drain; toss with butter. Serve with meatballs; sprinkle with remaining 1 tablespoon parsley. Serve immediately. Watch a video of this month’s winning recipe at micoopkitchen.com/videos

Comfort Foods: due November 1 Savory Cherries: due December 1 Chili Cook Off: due January 1 Submit your favorite recipe for a chance to win a $50 bill credit and have your recipe featured in Country Lines with a photo and a video. Go to micoopkitchen.com for more information and to register.

Enter to win a

$50

energy bill credit!

Dad’s Venison Carbonade

featured

Barbara Warzywak, Presque Isle 6 slices bacon (thick-cut works well, or add a few more slices if using thin bacon) ¼ cup ﬂour ¹/8 teaspoon pepper 2 pounds boneless venison, de-fatted and cut into 1-inch cubes 1 can beer 10 ounces low-sodium beef broth 1 envelope dry onion soup mix 1 medium onion, sliced 1 tablespoon honey 1 tablespoon thyme leaves 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar 1 tablespoon parsley • hot buttered noodles (or rice/ mashed potatoes) Preheat oven to 350 F. Using an oven-proof dutch oven or large frying pan, fry bacon until crispy, reserving bacon fat in pan. Cool

GUEST CHEF

bacon, crumble and set aside. Combine ﬂour and pepper and put into a shaker bag. Shake venison cubes in ﬂour in the bag. Brown the venison cubes in bacon fat. Stir in the can of beer, broth, onion soup mix, honey and thyme. Bring to a low boil for a few minutes. Cover and cook in the oven for 1 hour. Uncover and stir in sliced onion. Continue baking for another ½ hour until venison is tender. Remove from oven and stir in red wine vinegar, parsley and crumbled bacon. Serve over buttered noodles (or over mashed potatoes or rice, if preferred).

Thinking of gearing up for the 2020 IRONMAN 70.3 Traverse City Race? IRONMAN U certiﬁed coach Tyler Guggemos and wife, Carly, from Organic Training share a great recipe to help the body recover after a training session and to prepare for upcoming workouts.

Hunter’s 6-Layer Casserole Christine Gonnering, Presque Isle

1 (16-ounce) can diced tomatoes 1 tablespoon butter 1 (6-ounce) package long grain wild rice (regular or quick-cooking), with seasoning packet included 1½ pounds venison burger 1 teaspoon salt ¼ teaspoon pepper 1 can sauerkraut, drained 1½ cups sour cream 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese

Drain tomatoes and save liquid. In a medium saucepan, add enough water to tomato liquid to make 2½ cups (follow directions on box of long grain rice for amount of liquid). In a saucepan, add butter, rice, and contents of seasoning packet to tomato liquid. Bring to boil, reduce heat, cover tightly and cook over low heat till all liquid is absorbed. Check directions on wild rice box and cook for approximately 25 minutes depending on regular or quick-cooking rice. While rice is cooking, brown venison burger, drain, and season with salt and pepper. Spoon rice into 2-quart glass baking dish. Layer sauerkraut, sour cream, venison burger, chopped tomatoes, and cheese over rice. Cover and refrigerate overnight. Bake uncovered at 350 F for 30—35 minutes until heated through.

Organic Coaching’s Tropical Orange Pineapple Smoothie 1 ½ ½ 1 1

cup orange juice frozen pineapple cup (fresh or frozen) banana scoop vanilla protein powder handful fresh spinach

Mix all ingredients in blender until smooth. For more information on blending smoothies like a pro, check out Coach Carly’s blog post on the topic at https://www.organiccoaching. biz/post/how-to-build-the-perfectsmoothie-for-all-occasions. Read the full story about the IRONMAN 70.3 Traverse City on page 14, and ﬁnd this recipe and others at micoopkitchen.com.

MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES

MAKING HISTORY By James A. Curtis

“A lake is the landscape’s most beautiful and expressive feature. It is earth’s eye; looking into which the beholder measures the depth of his own nature.” —Henry David Thoreau

hat is the magnetic allure of water? Why are people drawn to its shores, tides, and currents? For thousands of years, the Potawatomi, Chippewa, and Ottawa tribes lived by the waters of Lake County. Hundreds of years later, Bruce and Jenny Micinski came seeking a rural area to escape the commotion of South Bend, Indiana. Since then, Bruce has worked to preserve the history of Lake County’s peoples as president of the Lake County Historical Society. “When I started to learn about Lake County history, I was fascinated by the stories and interesting places in the community and it just took off from that,” said Micinski. “I was elected temporary president in 1983, and I’m still president today.” Today, Lake County is a tourist destination for hunting, camping, and trout fishing, boasting 156 lakes and 46 trout streams. Its wealth of trout can be traced back to a chance occurrence in 1884, when a passing train stopped over a railroad trestle on the north branch of the Pere Marquette River—today known as the Baldwin River. The train carried milk cans full of trout fingerlings whose health was being endangered by the warming weather. The fish were saved by being poured into the river below. This would be the first-ever stocking of wild German brown trout in America,

and the beginning of a tradition that has continued for more than a century. While fishing is an important part of Lake County’s history, Lake County’s diverse community is its most interesting aspect to Micinski. “Lake County was a melting pot of people from all over,” said Micinski. “From African Americans to civil war soldiers who homesteaded here, to the logging era where Italians, French-Canadians, Scandinavians, Irish, and others worked in the lumber camps and on the railroads—Lake County has always been a very integrated community.” For Micinski and the Lake County Historical Society, their work to preserve history is making history all its own. For more than 30 years, they organized exclusively for the collection of historical documents and artifacts, the dissemination of historical information, and the provision of a museum. In 2016, they achieved a key milestone in their history when they founded their permanent home and opened the Lake County Historical Museum and Research Library. “We have a lot of history for a small community and the community really supported our efforts to bring this museum to life,” said Micinski.

TOP LEFT: The Lake County Historical Museum and Research Library officially opened to the public in 2016. TOP RIGHT: Bruce Misinski, president of the Lake County Historical Society, and Jill Engelman, museum curator, stand beside a 1949 Chris Craft boat, a regal vessel from Lake County’s rich waterway history. BOTTOM RIGHT: A lineman tends to a transformer in downtown Baldwin in 1948. 12 OCTOBER 2019

The property the museum now sits on in downtown Baldwin was sold to the Historical Society by the county for one dollar. In addition, the community supported the museum’s birth with more than $400,000 in in-kind gifts and more than $600,000 in private donations and grants— including nearly $7,000 from Great Lakes Energy’s People Fund. The museum buildings are a piece of history themselves. A pair of 1938 residences built by the Civilian Conservation Corps for the United States Forest Services district rangers serve as the museum and community house. The forest service donated the buildings to the historical society after they were decommissioned, and they were moved to the museum site in 2014 where they began renovations. Nearly 2,000 volunteer hours later, the museum opened to the public in spring of 2016, followed by the “Boat House” in 2018, to welcome more than 3,000 visitors through the end of the year. Now open, the museum operates entirely on volunteers committed to its mission. “We are very thankful for the community’s support and interest,” said Micinski. “Since we’ve opened, the artifacts the community donates has skyrocketed and is hard to keep up with. It’s a great problem to have.” Inside the museum, curator Jill Engelman utilizes those artifacts to create interactive, kid-friendly exhibits that frequently rotate. “Our goal is there’s always something new for visitors to see at the museum,” said Engelman. Current exhibits include information on Idlewild, the celebrated African American community, and the Green Book—a guide for African Americans to travel safely during the civil rights era. Visitors can also see into the past with the family portrait series of the Kahl family from Baldwin who photographed people over decades, and 100 Years of Bridal Fashion. In the Boat House, the building linking the museum and community house, the rich history of the area’s waterways is on display, featuring a 1949 Chris Craft and 1950 MacDougall fishing guide boat, as well as an exhibit showcasing the work of Josephine Sedlecky-Borsum—an

avid Michigan fly tier who tied for the Smithsonian Institute. Her fly patterns remain popular today. In addition to its exhibits, the society also offers programs at the museum and in the community. Monthly historical presentations range from outreach at local schools to “Folk Fridays,” the summer concert series bringing folk music to the community from national musicians. “I am very passionate about introducing history to children, so our museum is different from most,” said Engelman. “With very few exceptions, visitors can touch every artifact. Kids can learn so much more from picking items up rather than seeing them on a shelf.” For the Lake County Historical Society, preserving history also means preserving the natural resources the area celebrates. The society is proud to have a partner in Great Lakes Energy in this effort. The cooperative, along with its power supplier Wolverine Power Cooperative, now provide members with electricity that is more than 60% carbon-free. “Nearly all our board members are members of Great Lakes Energy, as are most of our museum visitors,” said Micinski. “As we look at our history, and the area that draws people for its clean air, water, and tranquil setting, we’re excited to have a utility that makes keeping the area clean for future generations a priority.” The Lake County Historical Society and Research Library is located at 915 N. Michigan Avenue in Baldwin, Michigan. The museum is open from April through December, Wednesdays through Saturdays, from noon to 4 p.m. The research library is open noon to 4 p.m. on Wednesdays and by appointment. Admission is free. Donations are welcome and appreciated. For more information, call 231-898-6500, or find the Lake County Historical Society/MI on Facebook. To learn about more Great Lakes Energy members making a difference in the community, visit gtlakes.com/yourpower.

LEFT: The Green Book, subject of a recent major motion picture, is currently on display at the museum. The book provided African Americans with safe travel guidance during the civil rights era. CENTER: Jill Engelman describes the map she created detailing the Pere Marquette River in 1935. RIGHT: Josephine Sedlecky-Borsum, an avid Michigan fly tier from Lake County, created flies that remain popular today.

MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES 13

Ariel view of the swim leg at the IRONMAN 70.3 Traverse City.

IRONMAN 70.3 TRAVERSE CITY

By Emily Haines Lloyd Photography by Greg Shamus/Getty Images for IRONMAN

raverse City played host to the most recognizable name in endurance sports on August 24 as athletes from around the world came to compete in an IRONMAN 70.3 race. For those who don’t spend their free time thumbing through Runner’s World magazine and using their fun money on race entry fees, IRONMAN is a worldrenowned brand that hosts a bevy of full-and-half endurance races in all corners of the planet, the most notable race in Hawaii that is televised annually on NBC Sports.

A full IRONMAN race consists of a 2.4-mile swim, a 112mile bicycle ride and a marathon 26.2-mile run, raced in that order and without a break. Feel free to adjust your glasses, take a deep breath and read that line again. The IRONMAN 70.3 or “Half IRONMAN” as many refer to it is exactly that—half the distance in each of the staminademanding areas: a 1.2-mile swim, a 56-mile bike ride, and a 13.1-mile run. Those slightly-smaller numbers don’t make the feat any less impressive and daunting. As IRONMAN and IRONMAN 70.3 races take place all over the world in places like Rio de Janeiro, Shanghai, and Dubai, it begs the question of how the quaint lakeside community of Traverse City hit the radar of IRONMAN organizers. Local tri-athlete, Patrick McIntyre, who had competed in an IRONMAN 70.3 race himself, reached out to the IRONMAN organization and recommended Traverse City as an ideal locale for a 70.3 IRONMAN race.

Competitors compete in the bike leg at the IRONMAN 70.3 Traverse City.

14 OCTOBER 2019

“Traverse City has all the things you want in an IRONMAN destination,” said IRONMAN 70.3 Traverse City Race Director Joel Gaff, also an IRONMAN athlete himself. “This

Matt Hanson of the Storm Lake, Iowa celebrates his ﬁrst place ﬁnish.

Jackie Hering of Cottage Grove, Wisconsin celebrates her ﬁrst place ﬁnish.

community offers all the beneﬁts of a gorgeous destination spot—a food and drink scene that’s off the charts, natural amenities, and a community that is very active-minded with swimmers, runners, and cyclists who appreciate the amazing scenery as a backdrop to their activities.”

There’s a reason not everyone does endurance sports and why not every endurance sport athlete signs up for an IRONMAN. The toll both emotionally and physically can be demanding, but as most athletes will tell you—it is most certainly worth it.

Traverse City certainly sold its natural attributes and community charm, as IRONMAN 70.3 Traverse City sold out faster than any other 70.3 race in the brand’s history. That means approximately 2,500 athletes pursuing their athletic dreams, over 1,500 volunteers, and a team of dedicated race staff and spectators descended on the lakeside town in late August. While many of those dreamers come from out of the country and out of the state—for the 2019 IRONMAN 70.3 Traverse City, there are plenty of local endurance athletes taking their shot as well. IRONMAN U certiﬁed coach, Tyler Guggemos, of Organic Coaching, led a group of around 15 athletes in training for the August 2019 event.

“IRONMAN events bring athletes of every shape and size, each with a story that isn’t exactly like anyone else’s,” said Gaff. “What you’re struck with at an IRONMAN race is that everyone is there trying to achieve something that is very personal to that individual. It reminds me of the IRONMAN motto— ‘Anything Is Possible.’” Missed the 2019 race? Don’t worry, they’ll be back in 2020, and you’ll have a chance to see thousands of faces showing you just what “anything is possible” looks like.

“As soon as the rumors started that Traverse City would be hosting an IRONMAN race, athletes started reaching out to me,” said Guggemos. “There is so much excitement around a race like this, and anyone who has spent any time in endurance sports knows you need a team of people to support you in achieving something like this.” Whether that looks like professional coaching advice, family support, or understanding friends, every IRONMAN knows that the achievement is bigger than race day. Guggemos, an IRONMAN alumnus himself, encourages folks interested in the 2020 race, to begin their training regimen now. Training includes workout and nutrition planning, as well as conversations with loved ones about the signiﬁcant time commitment.

Kids competed in the IRONKIDS race prior to the IRONMAN 70.3 Traverse City.

MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES 15

New Look. New Experience. Same Mobile App. Look for updated features to the GLE mobile app in October, like one-click access on a new home screen and condensed menu to: • • • • •

We’re looking out for you.

Contact GLE Make payment View your billing Check your usage More!

You’ll also get outage and billing alerts right on the app’s home screen. Don’t have our mobile app? Get it today! Search for Great Lakes Energy in the App Store.

HISTORIC FARM HONORED Congratulations to Joyce Gibson, Jeff Vasil, Judy Rosen, and Kathleen MIick whose farm in Charlevoix County received state centennial farm certification and to Chris and Kristine Raymond whose farm in Ellsworth received sesquicentennial farm certification. Great Lakes Energy is a sponsor of the Michigan Centennial Farm Program that honors Great Lakes Energy members and other Michigan residents whose farms have been owned and operated by the same family for 100 years. Farms that are at 150 years are awarded the sesquicentennial certification. Once a farm is certified through the program, the owners receive a certificate as well as a display marker for their farm.

GLE members can request an application or receive more information about the program by contacting the Historical Society of Michigan, 517-324-1828, or by visiting their website, www.hsmichigan.org/programs/centennial-farm-program/.

IN THE Concern for the community is one of the seven cooperative principles that Great Lakes Energy follows.

TOP

GLE employees partnered with Northwest Michigan Habitat for Humanity to perform construction work at a home in Boyne City. CENTER

Local Elementary students learn the importance of electrical safety with GLE Safety Demonstrations BOTTOM Around 540 backpacks were packed by GLE employees with food for students who are not able to receive meals during the Food-4-Kids program sponsored by The Manna Food Project.

SEVEN CO-OP Principles 1. Voluntary And Open Membership 2. Democratic Member Control 3. Member’s Economic Participation 4. Autonomy And Independence 5. E ducation, Training And Information 6. Cooperation Among Cooperatives 7. Concern For Community.

MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES 17

Home Heating Assistance Programs 2019-2020 Season Winter Protection Plan

Contact: Your Local Utility Company Income Guidelines 2019–2020 # in Household 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

150% Poverty Guide Maximum Income $18,735 25,365 31,995 38,625 45,255 51,885 58,515 65,145

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 (Nov. 1–March 31). 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.

the following requirements: • are age 65 or older, • receive Department 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 at left. Senior citizen customers (65 or older) 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.

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

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.

You can apply for a Home Heating Credit for the 2019 tax year if you meet the income guidelines listed at left (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.

The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) is a refundable federal income tax credit for low-income, working individuals and families who meet certain requirements and ﬁle a tax return. Those who qualify will owe less in taxes and may get a refund. Even a person who does not generally owe income tax may qualify for the EITC, but must ﬁle a tax return to do so.

If married, you must ﬁle jointly to qualify. File Form 1040 or 1040A and attach the EITC.

State Emergency Relief Program (SER): michigan.gov/ mdhhs You do not have to be a DHHS client to apply for help with a past due bill, shutoff 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.

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) and funding is available. Weatherization may include caulking,

weatherstripping, and insulation. Contact your local Community Action Agency for details. Visit mcaaa.org to ﬁnd one in your area.

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.

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, public health or social services ofﬁcial that a medical emergency exists. Contact your gas or electric utility for details.

Shut-off Protection For Military Active Duty

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

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 517-284-5299 or michiganveterans.com

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 non-payment between November 1 and April 15. For a list of electric providers that opt-out of collecting the LIEAF go to michigan.gov/mpsc.

Add $6,630 for each additional member.

Home Heating Credit Contact: Mich. Dept. of Treasury # Exemp.

0–1 2 3

Max. Income

$ 13,739 18,601 23,463

# Exemp.

4 5 6

Max. Income

$ 28,325 33,187 38,049

Add $ 4,862 for each exemption over 6.

Earned Income Credit

Contact: • U.S. Treasury Dept., Internal Revenue Service irs.gov/EITC • Michigan Dept. of Treasury michigan.gov/treasury

Crisis Assistance Program Contact: Local Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) michigan.gov/mdhhs

Low-Income Home Weatherization

Contact: Local Community Action Agency

United Way

Contact: Call 2-1-1 or UWmich.org/2-1-1

Medical Emergency Protection

Contact: Local Utility Company

You may claim a Michigan earned income tax credit for tax year 2019 equal to a percentage of the federal earned income tax credit for which you are eligible.

If you receive a DHHS cash grant, you may vendor part of it towards heat and electric bills. Contact your local DHHS or call the Home Heating Hotline, 855-275-6424.

Contact: MI Veterans Trust Fund

MI Energy Assistance Program Contact: Utility or 2-1-1 in late November

18 OCTOBER 2019

Dial 2-1-1 for more information on heating and other human services programs.

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October is National Co-op Month.

Built by the communities we serve. Led by the communities we serve. Belonging to the communities we serve.