October 2024 PIE&G

October 2024

MICHIGAN

COUNTRY LINES Presque Isle Electric & Gas Co-op

SOARING SUCCESS AWARD-WINNING PHOTOGRAPHY FROM STEVE JESSMORE

National Co-op Month

Spotlight on the Onaway VFW

Understanding Wi-Fi vs. the Internet

WATERFURNACE UNITS QUALIFY FOR A 30% FEDERAL TAX CREDIT

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CO-OP REBATE INCENTIVES

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Portland ESI Htg & Clg (517) 647-6906 esiheating.com Sunfield Mark Woodman Plmb & Htg (517) 886-1138 mwphonline.com

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

Traverse City D&W Mechanical (231) 941-1251 dwmechanical.com Geofurnace Htg & Clg (231) 943-1000 geofurnace.com

visit us at waterfurnace.com/mi

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Contents countrylines.com

/michigancountrylines

October 2024 Vol. 44, No. 9 /michigancountrylines

Michigan’s Electric Cooperatives

EXECUTIVE EDITOR: Casey Clark

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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.

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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.

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!

MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES

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Celebrating Our Cooperative Spirit Together Allan Berg, President & CEO

pieg.com /PIEGCooperative /PIEGCooperative

BOARD OF DIRECTORS Sandy Borowicz, Vice Chairperson 5341 Carlson Rd., Cheboygan, MI 49721 231-627-9220 • Term Expires 2024 John Brown, Chairperson 21 W. Devereaux Lake Rd., Indian River, MI 49749 231-625-2099 • Term Expires 2026 Sally Knopf, Secretary 1849 W. 638 Hwy., Rogers City, MI 49779 989-734-4196 • Term Expires 2024 Kurt Krajniak 7630 Wallace Rd., Alpena, MI 49707 989-884-3037 • Term Expires 2025 Brentt Lucas, Treasurer 15841 Carr Rd., Posen, MI 49776 989-766-3678 • Term Expires 2025 Chris Nagel 3842 N. Mielke Way, Lewiston, MI 49756 616-240-8727 • Term Expires: 2026 Daryl Peterson P.O. Box 54, Hillman, MI 49746 989-742-3145 • Term Expires 2024 Raymond Wozniak 6737 State St., Posen, MI 49776 989-766-2498 • Term Expires 2025 President & CEO: Allan Berg aberg@pieg.com Co-op Editor: Sommer Poquette spoquette@pieg.com

Dear PIE&G Member, As the leaves turn and autumn settles in, it’s my pleasure to invite you to our Annual Membership Meeting on Nov. 1, 2024, at Posen High School.

Registration begins at 8:30 a.m., with the general business session kicking off at 10:00 a.m. We’ll cover various reports and conclude with the director election results. A delicious lunch, thanks to the VFW Posen auxiliary, will follow the meeting.

This time of year is perfect for reflecting on the cooperative principles that guide us. Each October, we celebrate National Cooperative Month, showcasing the unique values of our cooperative model. At PIE&G, we embrace the Seven Cooperative Principles, including Democratic Member Control, Members’ Economic Participation, Autonomy and Independence, Concern for Community, and more.

With over 29,000 cooperatives across the U.S., including household names like Land O’Lakes and Welch’s, the cooperative model plays a significant role in our daily lives. Collectively, co-ops serve more than 130 million people and provide jobs for over 2 million Americans.

Your participation in our Annual Meeting highlights our shared commitment to these principles. We look forward to celebrating the season with you and discussing how PIE&G continues to serve our community with reliability and dedication.

Thank you for being an integral part of our cooperative family. I look forward to seeing you on Nov. 1.

Warm regards, Allan Berg CEO & President

Presque Isle Electric & Gas Co-op 3149 Main Street (M-211) Onaway, MI 49765 Business Office & Billing: 989-733-8515 Toll-Free: 800-423-6634 Gas Emergency Toll-Free: 800-655-8565

UPCOMING OFFICE CLOSURES

PIE&G natural gas rates and charges are not regulated by the Michigan Public Service Commission.

Nov. 1—closed for Annual Meeting.

The drive-thru will remain open for payments.

Presque Isle Electric & Gas Co-op is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

Nov. 28–29—closed for Thanksgiving.

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AMI & Meter Reading e have been working diligently to update our metering system to AMI (Advanced Metering Infrastructure).

Having an AMI system means we can obtain meter readings digitally without requiring members to read their meters.

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• Electric: We have successfully updated 97.5% of our electric meters to an AMI system.

Please note that as we transition your account, your monthly bill may be larger at first; this is to get you on the AMI reading and billing schedule. All remaining bills will be back to a ~30-day cycle.

• Gas: We will begin updating our gas metering system in early 2025. Since gas meters have not yet been updated to AMI, we still need members to send in their gas readings. If you have boxes on your gas bill, please send in your monthly gas reading until you see the boxes removed from your bill.

To send in your meter reading: Return the stub at the bottom of your bill, submit your reading via SmartHub, or call in your reading using our IVR system at 866-999-4571.

Your Board In Action

At their most recent meeting, the PIE&G Board of Directors…

• Approved Resolution 202424 acknowledging the retirement of Director of Information Systems Richard Kieliszewski after 35 years of service to the cooperative.

• Approved the 2024 Annual Meeting Notice.

• Authorized staff to sign contract with auditor Eide Bailly for three more years.

Congratulations to Richard Kieliszewski, our esteemed former director of information technology, on his well-deserved retirement from PIE&G. We extend our heartfelt thanks for his remarkable 35 years of dedicated service to our co-op and our members. His contributions have been invaluable, and we wish him all the best in his retirement.

• Approved voting delegates for CFC and NISC. • Accepted Team Reports.

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Youth Tour

A Living Example of Cooperative Values

ctober 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.

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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

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

Understanding the Seven Cooperative Principles— America’s Electric Cooperatives 6

OCTOBER 2024

Voluntary and Open Membership

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

Democratic Member Control

Members' Economic Participation

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.”

Autonomy and Independence

Education, Training, and Information

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.”

Cooperation Among Cooperatives

Concern for Community

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

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Carve Out Savings

Schedule a FREE Home Energy Consultation hile we may enjoy a few weeks (or even a month or two) of comfortable weather in the fall, the heating season will be here before we know it. So how do you prepare for these energy-heavy months? How do you know your home is ready to confront extreme temperatures (in a way that won’t break the bank)?

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Fortunately, Presque Isle Electric & Gas Co-op has a large array of energy efficiency rebates and incentives available through our Energy Optimization program for you to take advantage of.

Not sure where to begin? A Home Energy Consultation is a great place to start!

PIE&G currently offers a FREE energy consultation for your home, business, or farm that allows you to get an overall snapshot of where and how you are using energy, as well as areas where you might be able to save energy or use energy more efficiently.

How does an energy consultation work? For homeowners, the process is very simple. One of our Energy Advisors will come to your home and assess areas of improvement, talk about some of your energy-related concerns, and help you better understand your utility costs. Then, after the consultation, you will receive a report with follow-up information and recommended improvements. As an added bonus, our Energy Advisor can even provide or install energy-saving products for you! To get started, give us a call at (877) 296-4319 or send us an email at info@michigan-energy.org.

The process is very similar for business or farm owners— simply get in touch with us using the same contact information above and ask for a referral to an Energy Advisor for an Energy Efficiency Consultation for your business or farm.

Visit pieg.com/eo or give us a call at (877) 296-4319 to learn more about all of our available Energy Optimization offerings.

Carve out savings with a Home Energy Consultation!

Schedule your free in-home review with a PIE&G Energy Optimization representative.

E M A I L info@michigan-energy.org • C A L L 877-296-4319

Presque Isle Energy Optimization programs and rebates are applicable to Presque Isle Electric & Gas Co-op electric service locations only.

Rebate applies to qualified items purchased and installed between Jan. 1, 2024 and Dec. 31, 2024. Other restrictions may apply.

For complete program details, visit pieg.com/eo.

Backroad Adventures

PHOTO CONTEST

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8 Enter to win up to a $50 energy bill credit!

Submit Your “Historical Treasures” Photos

By Oct. 25!

Submit your best photo and encourage others to vote!

The photo receiving the most votes in our photo 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. 25 to be featured in our January 2025 issue.

To enter the contest, visit pieg.com/photocontest. Enter your picture, cast your vote, and encourage others to vote for you as well. If your photo is printed in Country Lines during 2024, you will be entered into a drawing for a chance to win one of four $50 credits on your January 2025 bill.

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9 MOST VOTES 1. Mighty Mackinac Bridge. Glenda Bowman 2. Northern Lights over Hammond Bay. Christopher Purdy 3. Camping on Lake Superior. Jerry Pawlaczyk 4. Just moving a fallen tree off the trail at Estivant Pines Nature Sanctuary.

Gloria Zalewski 5. Phoebe frolicking on the shores of Lake Huron. Amie Schoolcraft 6. Old dirt road. Annette Limban 7. My mom’s first ATV ride at age 80! Cindy Kull 8. Carr Road sunset. Lisa Orozco 9. A dventures on Little McMasters bridge on Clute Road, Cheboygan County.

Judy Stevens 10. Ocqueoc Falls fun. Laurie King MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES

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MI CO-OP Recipes

BREADS & MUFFINS Get cozy with these baked goods.

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

Recipe Contest

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.

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.

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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.

“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!

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.

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Spotlight on the Onaway VFW A s a cooperative, acting in partnership with our community is at the core of Presque Isle Electric & Gas’ business. Through our Energy Optimization (EO) program, we’re helping community members save energy and money at their home, business, or farm by making energy-efficient upgrades more affordable. The Non-Profit Business Bonus is an EO initiative that provides rebates to organizations serving our community. The Onaway Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 5857 is a recent Non-Profit Business Bonus participant.

For almost 80 years, the Onaway VFW has served as a place of fellowship for veterans and the community as a whole.

The post provides support for veterans and their families, fundraises, and performs community service. The honor guard conducts Military Funeral Honors for local veterans.

Parade appearances, presenting the colors at high school football games, a post-trick-or-treating hot dog roast, and free Thanksgiving and Easter meals are just a few of their regular activities.

Post Commander Ed Fesko says he started the process of upgrading the hall after hearing about PIE&G’s EO program from a fellow veteran who received residential EO rebates for home appliances. The VFW qualified for the NonProfit Business Bonus, and Fesko began working with an EO representative to purchase and install energy-efficient equipment with financial incentives from PIE&G. The upright freezers that are used to store food for twice-monthly Sunday breakfasts were replaced with brand new products from Young’s Appliance and Electronics. Harsh fluorescent lights were switched out to more efficient and visually appealing LEDs with the help of Hobson Electric. Arnold’s

Refrigeration is assisting with the final phase of the project, which includes replacing the kitchen’s walk-in cooler.

In addition to the services the VFW provides, the event hall is one of the only rentable spaces in the area. Fesko recognizes the importance of maintaining the venue for the community—and is grateful for the community effort that has made ongoing upgrades possible. He calls it “an honor and a privilege to get these things done for the community,” and encourages other Onaway organizations to take advantage of the program.

Are you one of those organizations serving the community in PIE&G’s electric service territory? Find out if you qualify for the Non-Profit Business Bonus! You could receive financial incentives for energy efficiency solutions that help improve your facility’s energy performance, manage electricity use, and reduce electric bills. Potential projects include appliance/HVAC replacements and cleaning/tuneups (furnace, high-efficiency water heaters, heat pumps, and refrigerators), LED lighting upgrades, and custom projects to meet needs.

A dollar saved on your organization’s energy expenses is an additional dollar that can be used for programming in support of community members. The Energy Optimization team will help you determine if you qualify and schedule an in-person facility assessment. Call 877-296-4319 or email info@michigan-energy.org and ask about the PIE&G NonProfit Business Bonus. Visit pieg.com/eo to learn more about PIE&G’s Income Qualified Services, including the Residential program serving qualified single-family and multi-family households.

Energy-Efficient Upgrades at the Onaway VFW Benefit the Community

Learn More About the Non-Profit Business Bonus: E M A I L info@michigan-energy.org • C A L L (877) 296-4319

ON TIME EVERY TIME SET IT AND FORGET IT Set up Automatic Payments by credit card for peace of mind! It's free and secure and ensures your payment is made on time.

Online at pieg.com/payment-options

Via our automated phone system at 866-999-4571.

The free SmartHub app is available on Google Play or the Apple Store.

IN person at our office located at 3149 Main Street, Onaway, MI 49765.

Notice to Members of Presque Isle Electric & Gas Co-op A Special Board Meeting is set for Oct. 22 at 9:30 a.m.

The board of directors will consider changes to the cooperative’s rates and tariffs at its special meeting on Oct. 22, 2024, to be held at the cooperative’s office at 3149 Main Street, Onaway, Michigan. The meeting will start at 9:30 a.m. and is open to all Presque Isle Electric & Gas Co-op members.

The following items will be discussed: 1. T he board will establish the 2025 Power Supply Cost Recovery Factor to be applied to the cooperative’s retail member-consumers’ kilowatt-hour use. The Power Supply Cost Recovery (PSCR) Factor represents the power supply costs as established by the cooperative in conjunction with Wolverine Power Cooperative. The factor is established annually and reviewed monthly; and 2. Consideration of revisions to the cooperative’s electric rates and terms of service.

Notices of changes or additions to the cooperative’s rates or service rules shall be sent to all members, as required by P.A. 167, by first-class mail or by publication in Michigan Country Lines at least 30 days prior to their effective date.

Participation: Any interested member may participate and should contact Presque Isle Electric & Gas Co-op at 800-423-6634 a week in advance to request information. Comments may also be made before the meeting date by emailing CEO Allan Berg at ABerg@pieg.com.

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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.

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

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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.

“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.”

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.

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 first-place Michigan Audubon photo, “Feather for Its Mate.”

stevejessmore.com

/sjessmore

@sjessmo

MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES

15

Understanding Wi-Fi vs. the Internet Wi-Fi technology is extremely popular and widely available. Whether you’re at a coffee shop, shopping, or having a family pizza night, you’re likely to find a Wi-Fi hotspot. People often talk about having trouble “getting onto Wi-Fi,” which usually means they need help connecting their device to the internet.

But is Wi-Fi the same as the internet? The answer is no. As home networks become more sophisticated with many connected devices, it’s important to understand the difference between Wi-Fi and the internet.

What Is the Internet?

The internet is a vast global communications network comprising thousands of interconnected networks. While no single person or organization owns the internet, each Internet Service Provider (ISP) owns its own network. ISPs provide and maintain the equipment that allows individuals, businesses, universities, and more to connect to the internet.

When you connect to your ISP’s network from your home or workplace, you can access other networks, services, and individuals also connected to the internet. For example, streaming movies on Netflix involves connecting to Netflix’s servers via the internet, and reading your email involves connecting to a Gmail server.

When you subscribe to home internet service, your ISP supplies the necessary equipment, such as a fiber optic cable that connects your home to the ISP’s network. This cable connects to a modem inside your home, enabling internet access.

How Do I Connect My Devices to the Internet?

Once your modem is set up, there are two primary ways to connect your devices: 1. Physical Cable Connection: This method, which is less common now, involves connecting your computer directly to the modem using an Ethernet cable.

2. Wi-Fi Connection: The most common method today is connecting your devices wirelessly using Wi-Fi technology.

This requires a router, which may be a separate device that connects to a modem or a combined device that is

16 OCTOBER 2024

a modem and a router. The router broadcasts a network name (SSID), which appears on your device’s list of available networks. After selecting your network and entering the password, you connect to Wi-Fi. Since the router is connected to your modem, you can then access the internet.

Is Connecting to Wi-Fi the Same as Connecting to the Internet?

Not exactly. Connecting to Wi-Fi does not guarantee internet access. If you see that your computer is connected to Wi-Fi but can’t access websites or send emails, it could mean that your modem is not properly connected to the internet or your Wi-Fi router isn’t connected to your modem.

PIE&G Connect: Free Wi-Fi Included Unlike most internet providers, PIE&G Connect does not charge extra for Wi-Fi. Our plans include the Wi-Fi Gigaspire U6 router at no additional cost, ensuring seamless home connectivity. So, when you get “Wi-Fi” with PIE&G Connect, you’re using our all-in-one device called a Gigaspire, which is the modem and router combined, that connects to the internet—all included in your plan for a hassle-free experience.

Visit piegconnect.com to learn more about our high-speed internet packages. We are accepting applications from our electric members in the following communities with future expansion: Afton, Canada Creek, Fingerboard, Indian River, Mullett Lake, Onaway, Tower, Hawks, Black Lake, Cheboygan, Hammond Bay, Millersburg, Ocqueoc, Topinabee, and Wolverine.

Cybersecurity Tips for a Safer Digital World By, Abby Berry

id you know the average household with internet access owns about 17 connected devices? That figure covers a wide range of electronics, including smart phones, computers, streaming devices, smart speakers, home assistants, and more. Given our increasing reliance on internetconnected technologies, the likelihood of new cyber threats is ever-present.

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PIE&G is deeply committed to ensuring our local system is safe and secure. We routinely monitor and manage cyber risks, and we work together with other co-ops to share the latest advancements in cybersecurity measures that make us stronger. But you can help, too.

When we all work together to stay safe online, we lower the risk of cyber threats to our systems, online accounts and sensitive data.

October is National Cybersecurity Month, and while good cyber hygiene should be practiced year-round, we’d like to share a few cybersecurity tips to help you bolster your online safety.

• Learn how to spot and report phishing attempts. Phishing occurs when criminals use phony emails, direct messages, or other types of digital communications that lure you to click a bad link or download a malicious attachment.

If you receive a suspicious email or message that includes urgent language, offers that seem too good to be true, generic greetings, poor grammar, or an unusual sender address, it could be a phishing attempt. If you spot one, report it as soon as possible—and don’t forget to block the sender.

(If you receive a suspicious work email, report it to the appropriate IT contact. Suspicious messages that are delivered to your personal email or social media accounts can also be reported.)

• Create strong, unique passwords.

When it comes to passwords, remember that length trumps complexity. Strong passwords contain at least 12 characters and include a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols. Create unique passwords for each online account

you manage and use phrases you can easily remember.

• Enable multi-factor authentication when available.

Multi-factor authentication (also known as two-factor authentication) adds an extra layer of security to your online accounts. These extra security steps can include facial recognition, fingerprint access, or one-time codes sent to your email or phone.

• Update software regularly.

Software and internet-connected devices, including personal computers, smartphones, and tablets, should always be current on updates to reduce the risk of infection from ransomware and malware. When possible, configure devices to automatically update or notify you when an update is available.

Let’s all do our part to stay cyber smart and create a safer digital world for all.

Visit staysafeonline.org to learn about additional cybersecurity tips.

October is National Cybersecurity Awareness Month.

Let’s work together to build a safer digital world. Whether at home, work, or school, we can increase our online safety with the following tips.

Recognize and report phishing attempts.

Use strong, unique passwords.

Enable multi-factor authentication.

Update software regularly.

MI CO-OP Guest Column

The One-Room Schoolhouse

By Claudia Sanderson, a Presque Isle Electric & Gas Co-op member

he 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.

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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/ 18 OCTOBER 2024

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

Win $200 for stories published!

Share your fondest memories and stories. Win $200 for stories published. Visit countrylines.com/ community to submit.

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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.

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.

Do not place decoys on power lines or other utility equipment. Any nonelectrical equipment attached to a pole can pose an obstruction and serious hazards to our line crews.