MICHIGAN
COUNTRY LINES
Cherryland Electric Cooperative
Not hearing is believing.
WaterFurnace doesn’t think you should hear your furnace and A/C more than you feel its heat and air.
You know when a traditional HVAC system is on. Stop and listen. Is the burner turning on? Are the blower and fan running? Is air blasting through your vents? With geothermal, those tell-tale signs are eliminated, because sound from the system is barely noticeable. As a result, you get comfortable, consistent heating and cooling—and none of the noise. With WaterFurnace, silence is golden.
Geothermal is the only renewable that provides reliable operation 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.
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
Manistique Hoholik Enterprises (906) 341-5065 hoholikenterprises.com
Marinette, WI
GPS Htg. & Clg (715) 732-2111 gpsheatingcooling.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
Negaunee J-Goods Plmb. & Htg. (906)869-2522 jgoodsplumbingand heating.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
Alger Delta Electric: up to $2,000
Cherryland Electric: up to $2,500
Cloverland: up to $6,275
Great Lakes Energy: up to $5,000
Homeworks/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 TriCounty 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.
6 YOUTH TOUR: A LIVING EXAMPLE OF COOPERATIVE VALUES Co-op student delegates travel to Washington D.C.
10 MI CO-OP KITCHEN
Breads & Muffins: Get cozy with these baked goods.
14 SOARING SUCCESS
The journey of award-winning Michigan photographer Steve Jessmore.
18 GUEST COLUMN
The One-Room Schoolhouse: A PIE&G member recalls how a unique northern Michigan structure was transformed into a family haven.
14
MI Co-op Community
To enter contests, submit reader content & more, visit countrylines.com/community
Recipe Contest
See details on page 10. Soups & Stews due Nov. 1; Sauces & Marinades due Dec. 1; Best No Bake Recipes due Jan. 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!
cherrylandelectric.coop
/cherrylandelectriccoop
@cherrylandec
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Gabe Schneider, President 517-449-6453
gschneider@cherrylandelectric.coop
Valarie Handy, Senior Vice President 231-392-4705
vhandy@cherrylandelectric.coop
Melinda Lautner, Secretary 231-947-2509
mlautner@cherrylandelectric.coop
Tom Van Pelt, Treasurer 231-386-5234
tvanpelt@cherrylandelectric.coop
David Schweitzer, Director 231-883-5860
dschweitzer@cherrylandelectric.coop
Terry Lautner, Director 231-883-6455
tlautner@cherrylandelectric.coop
Dean Adams, Director 231-642-0014 dadams@cherrylandelectric.coop
CEO: Rachel Johnson
CO-OP EDITORS: Courtney Doyle: cdoyle@cherrylandelectric.coop
Bailey Watson: bwatson@cherrylandelectric.coop
OFFICE HOURS
Monday–Friday 7:30 a.m.–4:00 p.m. TELEPHONE NUMBERS
231-486-9200 or 1-800-442-8616 (Mich.)
ADDRESS
P.O. Box 298, Grawn, MI 49637
PAY STATION
Cherryland Electric Cooperative office 5930 U.S. 31 South, Grawn MI, 49637
Cherryland Electric Cooperative is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
OFinding Beauty in Life’s Hard Lessons
By Rachel Johnson, Cherryland CEO
n Dec. 15, 2023, almost six months to the day after taking over as the CEO at Cherryland, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. The early days of my diagnosis were the hardest and darkest days of my life. I knew my life had irrevocably changed; it just wasn’t clear yet what that change would mean for me.
Over the last 10 months, I’ve endured four months of chemotherapy, a double mastectomy, and an additional six months of targeted immune-based therapy. Most days, my body feels like a foreign country.
Despite the treatments and their brutal side effects, I have managed to continue to work alongside our team here at Cherryland, which has given me so much joy and purpose.
I continue to be deeply inspired by Cherryland’s mission to power rural communities. But beyond that, this year, I have also been reminded of
the deep goodness of our team at Cherryland. They showed up for me in big and small ways, and I will never be able to repay them.
When I walk into Cherryland, I feel loved, and I feel safe. The Cherryland family is my family. It feels like home to me. Early on, I asked one thing of our team—while this year will be hard for me, help me make it a great one for Cherryland.
Unsurprisingly, they delivered.
From long-range financial planning to analyzing our facilities’ needs as we outgrow our current location, it’s been a busy year. Our team has managed another wild construction season, keeping projects on time and on budget for our members. We’ve tackled a major overhaul of our metering system. And, as always, we’ve maintained industry-leading electric reliability. No one keeps the lights on better than us.
Thank you to the nurses at the Cowell Family Cancer Center! We are lucky to have such skilled and empathic nurses helping members of our community through their most difficult days.
The team at Cherryland excels at doing hard things. I take heart in that because it reminds me that I can do hard things, too.
While our team was making this Cherryland’s best year, cancer was shaping me as a person and teaching me lessons that I hope will make me a better leader for our team.
I have learned to focus on what I can control and let go of what I cannot. I have learned to cling tightly to joy and hope, even in the face of loss. I have learned to move forward without hesitation through uncertainty and fear. And I have been reminded of what happens when we call on our deepest humanity and take care of each other through hard times.
I’m not done with my cancer treatment yet. I still have three months to go. Then, I’ll transition from active treatment to survivorship, which I’m sure will bring its own
“I will continue to embrace the privilege of working alongside a team that I consider family. And I will unapologetically find purpose in our electric cooperative mission.”
challenges. It’s common to hear people talk about being “cancer free.” But that doesn’t seem quite right to me. Cancer has changed me, and it will now always be part of my life in some way. I think of the next phase of my life as cancer adjacent.
I will carry the lessons I’ve learned alongside me. I’ll also carry the worries and fears that my cancer might come back. I’ll live with the side effects of the drugs that saved my life. I’ll love a little harder. I will continue to embrace the privilege of working alongside a team that I consider family. And I will unapologetically find purpose in our electric cooperative mission.
This has been the hardest season of my life, but it has also been so heartbreakingly beautiful. And, for that, I am grateful.
To hear more about Rachel’s story, listen to the Co-op Energy Talk Podcast.
For more on Breast Cancer Awareness, see pages 8 and 9.
Youth Tour A Living Example of Cooperative Values
October is National Cooperative Month, a time when we take the opportunity to reflect on the unique role cooperatives play in our communities. A perfect example of our values and mission in action is Youth Tour, a program that brings the seven cooperative principles to life and cultivates a new, diverse generation of energy leaders.
Youth Tour is sponsored by Michigan Electric Cooperative Association (MECA) in conjunction with the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA). Together, the organizations coordinate activities, learning sessions, and face-to-face meetups with their local lawmakers over the course of a week-long visit to Washington D.C.
In 2024, students from 44 states, including 17 Michigan delegates representing all MECA member co-ops, embarked on a journey to the nation’s capital to learn about our
Understanding the Seven Cooperative Principles—
country’s history and their roles as informed citizens.
Cultivating Future Energy Leaders
By bringing together students from diverse backgrounds, Youth Tour promotes inclusivity and open membership, which are core cooperative principles. These students learn the value of cooperative democratic member control as they engage with the political process and understand how their voices can make a difference.
Students are encouraged to think independently, form their own opinions, and understand the importance of personal and collective responsibility. Landen Winsor, student delegate from Wolverine Power Cooperative, attended this year’s tour and found it to be eye-opening. “One thing I took away was the importance of advocacy. Sometimes
it feels like the world is too big for you to change anything about it,” said Winsor. “Hearing how [lawmakers] were addressing issues related to rural Michigan was enlightening and encouraging.”
For many of these students, the Youth Tour is a transformative experience. “It’s amazing to watch students grow and gain self-confidence as they navigate a myriad of new situations on the trip,” said Michigan Youth Tour Director Katie Deller. “This journey is more than an educational trip; it’s an empowering experience that instills confidence and a sense of responsibility in each participant.”
Education and Community Involvement
Youth Tour is a testament to the cooperative principle of education, training, and information as well. Students gain invaluable insights into the energy sector and the workings
America’s Electric Cooperatives
of government, preparing them to be informed, active citizens. This educational journey fosters a deep sense of community concern and highlights the cooperative commitment to nurturing the next generation. “The students not only get to experience historical sites, monuments, and memorials firsthand, they learn about the history of electric cooperatives,” said Deller. “How co-ops are different than other types of utilities and the incredible work they have done and continue to do across rural America.”
Michigan delegates met with Sen. Debbie Stabenow, as well as engaged in a candid conversation with staffers from Rep. Jack Bergman’s office.
Great Lakes Energy CEO Shaun Lamp attended this year’s Youth Tour as a chaperone. He invited students along for his morning runs, where they asked him questions about the industry and career paths. He was impressed by their thoughtfulness and preparedness.
“The engagement, knowledge level, and enthusiasm of the delegates was fantastic,” noted Lamp. “We didn’t prep them with questions for their meeting with [Rep. Bergman’s] staff, but they asked really good and relevant questions on their own. It’s a reminder that their generation is going to do some great things.”
Cooperation Among Cooperatives
Through Youth Tour, there is a continuous connection to “cooperation among cooperatives,” another key principle. This national initiative sees cooperatives across the country working together to create a unified and enriching experience for all participants. It’s a powerful reminder of what we can achieve when we collaborate and support each other.
“My favorite part of Youth Tour was the people. My peers were not only willing to push me intellectually, but also physically as we did many miles of walking,” said Winsor. “The sights and experiences would not have been as memorable if not for the people I was with.”
Youth Tour exemplifies the very essence of cooperative principles. By investing in our youth and providing them with these enriching experiences, we are cultivating a new generation of leaders who are committed to reliable, affordable, and sustainable energy.
“I cannot say enough how impressed I am with all 17 delegates from Michigan. It was an honor and privilege to spend time with these young people,” reflected Lamp. “They give me great confidence that our future is in good hands.”
Youth Tour couldn’t exist without the dedication of staff, directors, coordinators, chaperones, bus drivers, and the many volunteers. Their commitment to the enrichment of the students in our cooperative footprint is nothing short of astounding.
A special thanks to the many folks from Michigan who made this experience possible: MECA Youth Tour Director Katie Deller and Wolverine VP of Administration Dawn Coon, who breathed new life into the program after the pandemic and provided a safe environment for the students to experience D.C. while also spreading their wings.
Volunteers and chaperones: Katie Deller (MECA), Dawn Coon (Wolverine), Shaun Lamp (Great Lakes Energy), Jamie Trommater (HomeWorks), and Kristen Hartley (Cherryland)
For more information on the seven principles, visit electric.coop/sevencooperative-principles
Breast Cancer Awareness Month
1 in 8 women in the United States will be diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime.
There are over 4 million breast cancer survivors in the United States.
How you can help:
Donate your time or money to these local organizations:
Approximately 85% of women diagnosed do not have a family history of breast cancer.
Leelanau County Cancer Foundation: This organization helps those with cancer pay nonmedical expenses they might be struggling with. leelanaucountycancerfoundation.org
Less Cancer: This organization has grassroots in this community, notably organizing local events, with the goal of educating and advocating on the topic of cancer prevention.
LessCancer.org
Cowell Family Cancer Center: Munson’s cancer treatment facility has a patient needs fund that goes to providing financial assistance for supportive care when other means have been exhausted. munsonhealthcare.org/cancer/support-services/ financial-support
The 5-year relative survival rate for breast cancer diagnosed at the localized stage is 99%
Women who receive regular screenings for breast cancer have a 26% lower breast cancer death rate than women who do not receive screenings.
Or choose to show your support at the national level by donating to these larger organizations:
American Cancer Society: “A leading cancerfighting organization with a vision to end cancer as we know it, for everyone. We are improving the lives of people with cancer and their families as the only organization combating cancer through advocacy, research, and patient support, to ensure that everyone has an opportunity to prevent, detect, treat, and survive cancer.” cancer.org
National Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc.: “Provide help and inspire hope to those affected by breast cancer through early detection, education, and support services.” nationalbreastcancer.org
Cancer prevention starts with an overall healthy lifestyle. In addition to a nutritious diet and exercise, here are some other important prevention tips:
• Note any changes in breasts and educate yourself as to which changes could be concerning
• Perform monthly self breast exams
• Begin mammograms at the age of 40 or age 30 if you are at high risk
A special note about breast density:
Why is this important? While it is not often discussed, women who have dense breast tissue have a higher risk of breast cancer. In addition, dense breast tissue can also make it harder for radiologists to see cancer on mammograms. Be your own advocate by talking with your doctor.
“At this time, breast density reporting requirements vary by state. But as of Sept. 10, 2024, all mammogram reports sent to patients in the U.S. will be required to include breast density.” —American Cancer Society More information and statistics can be found at
or cancer.org.
Here are some factors that can put you at high risk:
• Family history of breast cancer
• Having the BRACA1 or BRACA2 gene mutation
• Having a relative with the BRACA gene mutation
• Having radiation therapy on the chest before the age of 30
• Having Li-Fraumeni syndrome, Cowden syndrome, or Bannayan-Riley-Ruvalcaba syndrome, or having first-degree relatives with one of these syndromes
• Having dense breast tissue
nationalbreastcancer.org cancer.org
BREADS & MUFFINS
Get cozy with these baked goods.
Recipe Contest
Win a $100 energy bill credit!
Soups & Stews due Nov. 1; Sauces & Marinades due Dec. 1; Best No Bake Recipes due Jan. 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!
LEMON CRUMB MUFFINS
Ruth Armbrustmacher, HomeWorks Tri-County
3 cups flour
1¾ cups sugar
¼ teaspoon baking soda
¼ teaspoon salt
4 eggs
1 cup sour cream
1 cup melted butter
1½ tablespoons grated lemon peel/zest 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Topping:
6 tablespoons flour
6 tablespoons sugar
¹⁄ 8 cup cold butter, cubed
Glaze:
¼ cup sugar
3 tablespoons lemon juice
Preheat oven to 350 F. Prepare 2 (12-cup) muffin tins with muffin cups. In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt. In another bowl, combine the eggs, sour cream, melted butter, lemon peel, and lemon juice. Stir the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients just until moistened. Fill muffin cups ¾ full. For the topping, combine the flour and sugar, then cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Sprinkle over the batter. Bake for 20–22 minutes or until a toothpick placed in the center of a muffin comes out clean. Meanwhile, to make the glaze, mix together the sugar and lemon juice. Allow the muffins to cool, but still be a bit warm, before topping with the glaze.
Watch a video of this month’s winning recipe at micoopkitchen.com/recipe_ type/videos/
RUSTIC GARLIC PARMESAN HERB BREAD
Kerri Hanson, Great Lakes Energy
1 tablespoon instant dry yeast
1 tablespoon sugar
1 cup warm water
1 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons dried rosemary
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
6 cloves garlic, minced
2–2½ cups all-purpose flour, divided
¹⁄³ cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon butter, divided
In a large mixing bowl, add the yeast, sugar, and water. Stir in the salt, rosemary, basil, oregano, and garlic.
Add in 2 cups flour and the Parmesan
cheese and stir until combined. Gradually add in the remaining ½ cup flour (if needed) until you have a smooth and elastic dough that is tacky but doesn’t stick to your hands. Transfer to a lightly greased mixing bowl, cover, and let rise until double in size, about 1 hour. Preheat oven to 375 F. Drizzle a baking sheet with the olive oil. Gently divide the dough in half and shape into two separate round loaves. Place loaves onto the prepared baking sheet. Let rise another 15–20 minutes while oven is preheating. Top each loaf with ½ tablespoon butter (tuck into the center of each loaf). Bake for 18–20 minutes until golden brown.
ORANGE-CRANBERRY NUT BREAD
Mary Card, Great Lakes Energy
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
1½ teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon baking soda
¹⁄³ cup cold butter
1 egg, lightly beaten
1 teaspoon finely grated orange rind/zest
²⁄³ cup orange juice
1½ cups fresh cranberries, rinsed, patted dry & chopped
1 cup coarsely chopped walnuts
Preheat oven to 350 F. Grease a 9x5x3-inch loaf pan; set aside. In large mixing bowl, stir together the
flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and baking soda. Cut in the butter until the mixture is crumbly. Add the beaten egg, orange rind, and juice. Stir to “just combined” but not over-stirred. Fold in the cranberries and nuts. Spoon into the prepared pan and bake for 1 hour to 1 hour and 10 minutes, checking with a toothpick inserted into the center of the loaf, making sure it comes out clean. Cool in pan on cooling rack for 10 minutes, then turn out loaf onto cooling rack and cool completely. This bread is best the next day (if you can restrain yourself), sliced into 8–12 slices. Wrap in plastic wrap. Can store in refrigerator for up to 3 days.
“TO DIE FOR” BLUEBERRY MUFFINS
Betsy Price, Great Lakes Energy
1½ cups flour
¾ cup sugar
½ teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons baking powder
¹⁄³ cup vegetable oil
1 egg
¹⁄³ cup milk
1¼ cups blueberries, fresh or frozen + 1 teaspoon flour
Topping:
½ cup sugar
¹⁄³ cup flour
1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon ¼ cup cold butter, cubed
Preheat oven to 400 F. Grease 8 muffin cups or use muffin liners. Combine the flour, sugar, salt, and baking powder in a medium bowl and set aside. Pour the
oil into a 1-cup measuring cup, then add the egg and milk to fill the cup. Pour into the flour mixture and stir with a spoon. The batter will be very thick; add a bit more milk if it is difficult to stir. Mix the blueberries with a teaspoon of flour before adding to the batter (this will keep them from sinking to the bottom of the muffin cups). Fold blueberries gently into the batter. Fill the muffin cups to the top with the batter. To make the topping, in a small bowl, combine the sugar, flour, and cinnamon. Using a pastry blender or a fork, mix the cold butter into the flour mixture until the butter looks like crumbs. Spoon the topping onto each muffin. Bake for 20–25 minutes. Test with a toothpick after 20 minutes. Let the muffins cool for 10 minutes. Enjoy!
CO-OP NEWS
October Is National Cooperative Month
Cherryland is one of over 900 electric cooperatives powering over 20 million American homes, businesses, farms, and schools in 48 states. Thank you to all the co-op members and employees who keep Cherryland and the cooperative tradition alive and well.
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 emailing cec@cherrylandelectric.coop.
If you are an area nonprofit agency seeking financial help, visit cherrylandelectric.coop/ cherryland-cares for information on how to apply.
For additional details, please call Shannon Beery at 231-486-9218 or email her at sbeery@cherrylandelectric.coop.
Pay-By-Phone Number Change
Our pay-by-phone number has changed. Please call 855-958-3685 to make your payment or visit us online at cherrylandelectric.coop to use one of our online payment options.
Cherryland Buys
And
Donates
Two Pigs From Members At The Northwestern Michigan Fair
Cherryland employees and board members had a squealin’ good time at the Northwestern Michigan Fair this year. The co-op purchased two pigs at the livestock auction. Those pigs were raised and sold by Cherryland members Grace Weber, daughter of Jay and Kelli Weber, and Jaquelynn McKinnon, daughter of Craig and Jessica McKinnon. Their pigs were donated to Goodwill’s Food Rescue. Congrats on all the pigs well-raised!
In addition to the livestock auction, Cherryland sponsored the pancake breakfast, where employees and board members volunteered to flip pancakes and serve up sausage patties. We can’t forget a staff favorite—our sponsorship of Kid’s and Special Kid’s Day, where we toss bean bags for prizes with our youngest members!
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.
Take notice of posted warning signs and keep clear of electrical equipment. 1
2
3
4
5
Do not shoot at or near power lines or insulators.
Know where power lines and equipment are located on the land where you hunt.
Be especially careful in wooded areas where power lines may not be as visible.
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.
6
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.
THE ASSIGNMENT
Jessmore’s workload had declined significantly, but as luck would have it, one of the few assignments he did land led to a major shift for him. He’d been hired to photograph people who had picked up outdoor activities during COVID. He was photographing kayakers, thinking he’d never been in a kayak himself.
It was Jessmore’s wife, Brenda, who sent him out on her own assignment. “She told me to go out and create something every day,” said Jessmore. “She said I had too much talent to just wait for the next job to come along.” He found himself buying his own kayak, getting up before dawn and floating down the Torch River with his camera. He wasn’t entirely sure what he was on the hunt for, but he kept his eyes open.
A STORYTELLER AT HEART
Jessmore’s journey as a photographer didn’t start with snapping shots of
SOARING SUCCESS
AWARD-WINNING PHOTOGRAPHY FROM STEVE JESSMORE
By Emily Haines Lloyd
When the world seemed to slow down in 2020, award-winning photographer and photojournalist Steve Jessmore found himself with more time to reflect and appreciate the beauty around him. Instead of focusing on the quiet, he turned his skilled and artful eyes to his surroundings, capturing moments that revealed the extraordinary in the everyday.
nature. Taking photos was a way for him to see bands when they came to town—offering local papers his images in exchange for free tickets. Eventually, he even got paid for his efforts and saw over 100 concerts by the time he finished college.
His hobby evolved into a career. Working in photojournalism for 30 years, Jessmore’s camera became a tool for storytelling, capturing human experiences. “I’ve never liked to pose pictures,” said Jessmore. “I like to capture authentic moments, reactions, interactions. I like telling stories of people just doing things.”
LOOKING UP
His approach to authentic photography was an asset as his focus turned to the sky and he began to notice the amazing birds in his little ecosystem.“I like to wait patiently and observe birds living their lives without disturbing them. It’s the same ethics I use with photojournalism—you don’t contrive
shots. You capture the story without making the story,” said Jessmore.
The transition from photographing people to birds presented its challenges. While photographing people often involved capturing moments of emotion, photographing birds demanded patience, precision, and anticipating their behavior.
FINDING HIS FLOCK
Jessmore honed his craft, capturing breathtaking images that encapsulated the essence of birdlife. He posted photos on his Instagram account and was surprised by the response. “People would send me notes saying these photos were a bright spot in their day or made them smile even with the heaviness of COVID,” he said. “It was clear that nature was having a real effect on people besides me.”
His photographer friends nudged him to try his hand at some competitions—
with a big one thrown down as a challenge. The prestigious National Audubon Society hosts an annual contest that showcases especially beautiful images of avian life. Jessmore’s friends told him there were over 10,000 entries each year, but to make it into the Top 100 would be a big deal.
That’s all Jessmore needed to hear. It was “game on.” He gathered several of his photos and submitted them to the contest. Then something unimaginable happened. With Jessmore’s first submission to the contest, he swept the Professional Division of the competition—winning first place and honorable mention.
Jessmore continued his journey of capturing “birds doing stuff” and the following year, his photo titled “Feeding Frenzy” won Audubon’s Fisher Prize for most creative approach to photographing birds. The image graced the cover of the magazine’s awards issue. In addition, he held gallery and art shows and was featured in publications such as The Smithsonian and Ducks Unlimited.
We’re now a few years past the apex of the pandemic, but Jessmore still goes out on his kayak with his camera. He visits and captures the beauty of the avian community that brought him more than a hobby—it showed him it’s never too late to spread your wings and fly.
“I like to wait patiently and observe birds living their lives without disturbing them. It’s the same ethics I use with photojournalism— you don’t contrive shots. You capture the story without making the story.”
SPECIAL OFFER
As a valued reader of Michigan Country Lines, you can enjoy a 20% discount on Steve’s stunning prints and upcoming 2025 calendars. Use the code COUNTRYLINES at checkout on stevejessmore.com to bring a piece of Michigan’s natural beauty into your home. Calendars will be available starting in October, and this exclusive discount is good through Nov. 15.
Jessmore’s fi rst-place Michigan Audubon photo, “Feather for Its Mate.”
Your Board in Action
August Board Meeting
• Cherryland’s chief financial officer gave a presentation on the 2023 Key Ratio Trend Analysis. Highlights include:
- The cooperative now has more underground line on our system than overhead line.
- Cherryland continues to provide best in state reliability.
- Cherryland operations continue to be one of the leanest and most efficient for cooperatives of the same size in the country.
• The board of directors discussed the cooperative’s debt management and borrowing capacity. This has not been modified since 2003, so it is time to reevaluate.
• The board of directors received an update on the ongoing facilities research. In an upcoming board meeting, staff will present an analysis of current limitations and future needs with multiple plans for them to evaluate.
• The communications and member relations manager gave an update on the 2024 Co-op Academy cohort.
Backroad Adventures
Enter to win up to $200 off your energy bill!
Submit Your “Historical Treasures” Photos By October 20!
Submit your best photo and encourage your friends to vote! The photo receiving the most votes in our Facebook contest will be printed in an issue of Country Lines, along with some of our other favorites. Our October theme is Historical Treasures! Photos can be submitted through Oct. 20 to be featured in our January issue.
Enter Your Photos And Win A Bill Credit!
To enter the contest, visit cherrylandelectric.coop/photo-contest or visit facebook.com/cherrylandelectriccoop for a link to the current photo contest. Enter your picture, cast your vote, and encourage others to vote for you as well. If your photo is printed in Country Lines during 2025, you will be entered to win a credit of up to $200 on your December 2025 bill.
MOST VOTES
2. ”Top of the valley”—Bonnie Young
3. ”Pretty pink pine buds”—Deanne Mcbrian
4. ”Kalalau Trail along Na Pali Coast on Kauai, Hawaii”—Amy Truchan 5. “Discovering the woods with GreatGrandpa”—Kayla Morrison
“Hawaii”—Laurie Johnston
The One-Room Schoolhouse
By Claudia Sanderson, a Presque Isle Electric & Gas Co-op member
The history of a one-room schoolhouse is embedded in my heart. I was born in 1951, which was the same year my grandparents purchased the oneroom school on Alcona Road between Harrisville and Black River, Michigan. My grandparents drove up from Detroit in January of that year. The immense snowfall prevented them from getting anywhere close to the front door. But they ultimately did go forward with the sale before they ever got a glimpse of the interior of this unique structure. It is much to our family’s good fortune that they decided to purchase this rare and one-of-a-kind former school.
One of the most significant artifacts left behind was the school bell (more about that shortly). Thus, we began reinventing this former schoolhouse into a family keepsake. Family members did all of the work, most with minimal background in construction, plumbing, or electricity. Eventually, this once-upon-a-time “learning center” that local students attended became a four-bedroom gathering place. Nothing can compare to the countless memories shared by five families and cousins galore who ventured to this haven in the north each summer.
We were all used to relatively modern conveniences available in the 1950s. So using an outhouse and hand pump from a well was quite an experience for city kids living in rural areas. When doing dishes, bath time, and nighttime trips to the outdoor “facilities,” these resources were functional but less than optimal. My dad (bless his sense of humor) loved to wake everyone up in his typical, subtle way. He had been known to play “Taps” on his bugle for a get-up and get-going early rise. On a few occasions, he would pull the rope on the school bell, which, as we know, could be heard from a significant distance away. None of us minded his antics because it meant more time in the day to enjoy activities with extended family.
It was, eventually, decided by the collective family members that the bell should be given to Ralph Miller, the teacher/
principal of Mt. Joy school. He lived and maintained the farm on the property next door to the school. However, after hauling the bell over to Mr. Miller’s property, someone took it from that location. Its whereabouts have never been discovered. And the precious sound of that memorable bell has never been heard again.
Rolling hills, farmland, and a peek-a-boo view of Lake Huron surrounded the schoolhouse. I can readily recall the sound of the rustling wind blowing through the leaves on the giant oak tree out back, as well as the feel of the northern air whenever you venture outside. And I can still capture the scent of the sandy beach on Lake Huron, which was frequently your private beach back in those early days. Twenty-one grandchildren had the privilege of sharing and celebrating this historic building. Five of those grandchildren became educators. Although our educational experiences were different, we greatly respect how lessons were presented to students who had attended this school. In 2006, we re-enacted life in this rural one-room school and dedicated Mt. Joy School as a historic site. May we forever continue to appreciate the history and beauty of this area of the state.
About the Author: As a retired special education teacher, I have had the privilege of working with some amazing children and exceptional families. It was truly a privilege to share in their early years and be able to impact their lives in such a positive way. I have a knack for writing poetry. Every family member or close friend has been the recipient of poetic verses that have been written specifically for them.
Guest Column
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