MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES
THE MAGIC ISN’T ALWAYS on THE FIELD.
You may not realize it, but you’re sitting on a free and renewable supply of energy. A WaterFurnace geothermal comfort system taps into the stored solar energy in your own backyard to provide savings of up to 70% on heating, cooling, and hot water with a comfort you have to experience to believe. Contact your local WaterFurnace dealer today to learn more about how geothermal can be a game changer for your home.
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
Filion/Bad Axe
Air-O-Dynamic Htg & Clg (989) 582-0137 aod-hvac.com
Grand Rapids
Bel Aire Htg & Clg
1-888-235-2473 belaire.com
Hart Adams Htg & Clg (231) 873-2665 adamsgeothermal-mi.com
Holland G.H.P. Systems Inc. (616) 396-5833 ghpsystems-inc.com
Indian River M&M Plmb & Htg (231) 238-7201 mm-plumbing.com
Lansing
Candor Mechanical (517) 920-0890 candormechanical.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
Portage
Bel Aire Htg & Clg 1-888-235-2473 belaire.com
Portland ESI Htg & Clg (517) 647-6906 esiheating.com
Sunfield
Mark Woodman Plmb & Htg (517) 886-1138 mwphonline.com
Three Rivers
Bel Aire Htg & Clg 1-888-235-2473 belaire.com
Traverse City
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
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, USPS591-710, 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:
Chris O’Neill, HomeWorks TriCounty Cooperative, chairman; Gabe Schneider, Cherryland Electric Cooperative, vice chairman; Shaun Lamp, Great Lakes Energy Cooperative, secretary-treasurer; John Kran, 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.
MICHIGAN’S ELECTRIC COOPERATIVES
MI CO-OP Community
RECIPE CONTEST
See details on page 10. Cozy Bowls, due Nov. 1. Win a $100 bill credit!
GUEST COLUMN
See details on page 18. Share your fondest memories and stories. Win $200 for stories published!
To enter contests, submit reader content & more, visit countrylines.com/community
6 POWER OF CO-OP COMMUNITIES
From the REA to today—the enduring power of connection.
10 MI CO-OP KITCHEN
Fall Favorites: From harvest to home— recipes to fall for.
14 ADAM NIGHTINGALE: SMALL TOWN ROOTS, SPARTAN GLORY
How small-town values shaped a championship culture at Michigan State.
18 GUEST COLUMN
The Best Garage Sale Find: A 1940 Dodge and a lifetime of memories.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Sandy Borowicz, Chairperson
231-627-9220 • Term Expires 2027
Daryl Peterson, Vice Chairperson
989-742-3145 • Term Expires 2027
Sally Knopf, Secretary
989-734-4196 • Term Expires 2027
Brentt Lucas, Treasurer
989-766-3678 • Term Expires 2025
John Brown
231-625-2099 • Term Expires 2026
Kurt Krajniak
989-884-3037 • Term Expires 2025
Chris Nagel
616-240-8727 • Term Expires: 2026
Gerald Smigelski
989-306-3750 • Term Expires 2026
Raymond Wozniak
989-766-1003 • Term Expires 2025
President & CEO: Allan Berg aberg@pieg.com
Co-op Editor: Sommer Poquette spoquette@pieg.com
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
PIE&G natural gas rates and charges are not regulated by the Michigan Public Service Commission.
Presque Isle Electric & Gas Co-op is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
Rooted in Resilience
By Allan Berg, President & CEO
On Oct. 24, PIE&G members will gather at the Hillman Community Center for our 88th Annual Meeting. As always, we’ll share important reports and conclude with the election results for our board of directors.
This year’s meeting falls during National Cooperative Month, a time to honor the values that make the cooperative model strong and resilient—Democratic Member Control, Member Economic Participation, and Concern for Community.
But this year’s meeting will also be unlike any other in our history. After the March ice storm, our community came together in extraordinary ways. Lineworkers, staff, volunteers, neighbors, and mutual aid crews from cooperatives across the state and country embodied the cooperative principles and supported one another when it mattered most.
We will also look ahead. After replacing over 2,800 poles, 3,800 miles of line, and 900 transformers, we are committed to applying the lessons learned from the storm. Together, we will continue to strengthen our systems, invest in reliability, and serve our members with dedication.
Thank you for being an integral and active member of our cooperative. I look forward to seeing you on Oct. 24.
Your Board In Action
At its most recent meetings, the PIE&G Board of Directors…
• Accepted written Team Reports.
• Received an update on FEMA progress from the Chief Administrative Officer.
• Reviewed the strategic plan.
• Approved voting delegates for CFC and CoBank.
• Appointed Spartan Directors—one board member and one senior staff member.
• Reviewed Board Policies 302 & 304.
Reminder
Notice to Members: “Availability Charge” Is Now Called “Base Fee”
You’ll soon notice a slight change on your PIE&G electric and gas bill—the “Availability Charge” will now appear as the “Base Fee.”
While the name is new, the charge itself is not. The Base Fee represents the ongoing costs of keeping electric and gas distribution services available to your location, even when no energy is used.
This fee helps cover essential costs like maintaining poles, overhead and underground wires, transformers, substations, insurance, taxes, and equipment depreciation. These expenses stay relatively constant no matter how much energy is used, so this charge is billed consistently.
The new name helps clarify its purpose: the Base Fee keeps your service ready and reliable every day of the year.
Important Capital Credits Update: A Stronger Financial Future Together!
Capital credits are your contribution to our cooperative’s growth and development. They’re retired and refunded when our board of directors is confident it won’t harm our financial stability. Until then, these allocated, unretired margins serve as your way of directly supporting our operations, enabling us to fund essential projects, expand our services, and reduce borrowing and interest expenses.
This year, our board of directors has decided to maintain those credits within the cooperative. Why, you ask? It’s all about securing our financial foundation. This decision ensures we can continue to grow and deliver top-notch services without compromise.
Your commitment and support empower us to thrive as a cooperative, ensuring a bright and prosperous future for all.
Notice to Members of Presque Isle Electric and Gas Cooperative
Case No. U-16596
2025 Renewable Energy Plan Annual Report Summary
Michigan law requires all Michigan electric utilities to get at least 15% of their power supply from renewable sources during 2024. Under this requirement, Presque Isle Electric and Gas Cooperative submits an annual report to the MPSC regarding its Renewable Energy Plan. In 2024, Presque Isle acquired a total of 38,424 renewable energy credits. All credit transfers were directed through Presque Isle’s wholesale power supplier, Wolverine Power Supply Cooperative, Inc. Wolverine will continue to generate renewable energy and bank unused renewable energy credits for future use and compliance with statutory renewable portfolio standard requirements on behalf of all of its members.
A full copy of the cooperative’s Renewable Energy Plan annual report that was filed with the MPSC is available on the cooperative’s website at www.pieg.com or by request at any of the cooperative’s offices.
Power of Co-op Communities: From the REA to Today—the Enduring Power of Connection
By Emily Haines Lloyd
When the Rural Electrification Act (REA) passed in 1936, it did more than bring electric lines to farms—it powered a movement. Built by neighbors for neighbors, electric cooperatives transformed rural life. Nearly 90 years later, that same spirit continues to connect Michigan’s rural communities—not just with electricity, but with tools for resilience, innovation, and opportunity.
This October, during National Cooperative Month, we’re reminded that co-ops are more than utilities—we are community builders. Michigan’s electric cooperatives honor that legacy by ensuring electric reliability and staying rooted in the values that built us: service, commitment, and cooperation.
Electric Reliability: Powering Rural Progress
Keeping the lights on in rural Michigan requires long-term planning and reliable generation. That’s why electric co-ops are investing in system upgrades, new energy resources, and smart technology to meet growing demand and withstand increasingly severe weather.
“Just like we brought power to the countryside nearly a century ago, co-ops are now bringing new and exciting energy options to the places that need it most,” said MECA CEO & President John Kran. “It’s not just about connection—it’s about unlocking potential in every rural home, farm, and business.”
Cooperatives ensure members have the dependable, affordable power they need—whether through traditional sources or renewable projects like solar, wind, and peaking plants. Reliability is the foundation of everything co-ops do, because when the power stays on, rural communities can thrive.
Democracy in Action: A Voice for Every Member
One of the most powerful aspects of the co-op model is that it’s not just a service—it’s a partnership. Co-ops are owned by the members they serve. That means you have a voice in how your co-op is run.
Every member has the right to vote for their board of directors, who set policy and guide decision-making. Even better? Members can run for the board themselves. It’s a grassroots, democratic process that ensures our direction is always grounded in the needs of the community—not outside investors.
Participation is at the heart of the cooperative difference. From attending your annual meeting to serving on the board, your voice helps shape the future of your electric cooperative.
The Power of Community
Electric cooperatives are neighbors, partners, and problemsolvers. Every decision same make starts with a simple question: What’s best for our members? That’s why same invest in schools, support scholarships, advocate for rural issues, and work 24/7 to restore power in any conditions.
“Electric co-ops were founded on the idea that we’re stronger together. Every pole we set, every line we run, every investment we make—it all comes back to serving people, not profi ts,” said Kran. “That’s the power of community.”
“Electric co-ops were founded on the idea that we’re stronger together. Every pole we set, every line we run, every investment we make—it all comes back to serving people, not profits.”
Part of a National Network
Michigan co-ops are not alone. We’re part of a national network of 942 electric cooperatives serving more than 42 million people across 56% of the landmass of the United States. That shared strength gives us access to resources, knowledge, and collaboration that help us better serve our nationwide communities—while still maintaining local control.
Take On All Temperatures with an Efficient Heat Pump
Does the thought of another winter with your old furnace make you—or your wallet—shiver? Advances in technology have made heat pumps an increasingly popular efficient HVAC option, even in cold climates like Michigan.
Not familiar with heat pump technology? Heat pumps do exactly what the name suggests—pump heat. Unlike furnaces, which use electricity to generate heat, heat pumps transfer heat that already exists in the air. In the winter, heat is moved from outside your home to the inside, while in the summer, the opposite occurs (yes, heat pumps can provide air conditioning, too!). This method of temperature control makes heat pumps an efficient alternative to traditional HVAC systems. In fact, an air-source heat pump can reduce your electricity use by 50% compared to baseboard heaters and furnaces.¹ A significant reduction in electricity use can lead to significant savings on your electric bill. Depending on the size and energy efficiency of your home, savings can average over $500 annually.¹ And that doesn’t take into account rebates available from PIE&G!
Energy Optimization Program Rebates
PIE&G members can take advantage of Energy Optimization rebates to reduce the upfront cost of making the switch to a heat pump in their home. Rebates start at $1,000 for qualifying residential air-source heat pump systems and
$1,500 for qualifying ground-source systems. See the 2025 Residential Rebate Application for full details.
Looking to upgrade your business’s HVAC system?
Commercial heat pump rebates are available, too! See the 2025 Business Non-Lighting Application to learn more about your options.
Find all rebate details, applications, and more ways to save through the PIE&G Energy Optimization program at pieg.com/eo or call (877) 296-4319 with questions.
Take advantage of Energy Optimization rebates starting at $1,000 and enjoy e cient heating and cooling for your home.
MICHIGAN’S BRIDGES
1. MOST VOTES Garland Golf Resort, Lewiston, Michigan. Beth Kain
2. The newlyweds in their hometown and at their favorite bridge! The bride is a new transplant from seven generations of Texans and the groom has lived in this area for several generations. Hannah Quick
3. SkyBridge at dusk. Kathryn Scoon
4. Summer day of the Mackinac Bridge. Gloria Zalewski
5. Fall beauty of the Cut River Bridge. Charlotte Helman
6. Mackinac Bridge 45 years ago. Robert Batzloff
7. Red bridge at Dow Gardens in Midland. Shanna Gunter
8. Walking the SkyBridge. Jackie Riddell
9. Frankenmuth covered Holz Brücke. Heather Notter
10. As evening descends. Sandra Adair
Enter to win a $50 energy bill credit!
Submit your Seasonal Beauty photos by Oct. 25 for the January 2026 issue! 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.
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 2026, you will be entered into a drawing for a chance to win one of four $50 credits on your January 2027 bill.
FALL FAVORITES
From Harvest to Home: Recipes to Fall For
RECIPE CONTEST Win a $100 energy bill credit!
Cozy Bowls, due Nov. 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.
PUMPKIN APPLESAUCE
MUFFINS WITH MAPLE CREAM
Phil Ehardt, Great Lakes Energy
MUFFINS:
3 large eggs
1 (15-ounce) can pumpkin puree/canned pumpkin
½ cup neutral fl avored oil, like canola, vegetable, avocado
½ cup unsweetened applesauce
1 cup granulated sugar
2½ cups all-purpose fl our
2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
GLAZE:
1 cup powdered sugar
2–4 tablespoons heavy cream
½ teaspoon maple extract
Preheat the oven to 375 F. Line two standard muffi n tins with paper liners and set aside (24 muffi ns total). In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, pumpkin, oil, applesauce, and sugar.
In a separate bowl, stir together the fl our, pumpkin pie spice, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined (don’t overmix or the muffi ns may be dense/heavy). Divide the batter evenly among the prepared muffi n tins, filling the cups about ⅔ full (or slightly more). You can use a cookie scoop to portion the batter into the muffi n tin. Bake for 15–20 minutes until the top of the muffi ns spring back to the touch and/or a toothpick inserted in the center of a muffi n comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached. Remove the muffi ns from the muffi n tin to a cooling rack to cool completely. For the glaze, whisk together the glaze ingredients, starting with the lesser amount of heavy cream and adding more as needed to make a pourable, but still thick, glaze. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled muffi ns with a spoon or fork and serve.
Watch a video of this month’s winning recipe at micoopkitchen.com/videos
SLOW COOKER CHICKEN PASTA
Karla Oosting, Great Lakes Energy
2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
16 ounces Olive Garden Signature Italian Dressing (or favorite Italian dressing)
½ cup shredded Italian cheese
¼ teaspoon black pepper
8 ounces cream cheese
16 ounces penne pasta
½ cup Parmesan cheese
Add chicken breasts to slow cooker. Pour in the Italian dressing and sprinkle with cheese and black pepper. Place cream cheese on top. Cover. Cook on high for 4 hours or low for 5–6 hours. About 10–15 minutes before the cooking time is done, start cooking the pasta according to the package directions; drain well. Shred the chicken with 2 forks. Then add the pasta to the slow cooker and stir. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese. Enjoy!
HARVEST PUMPKIN PIE
Mary Ellen Wynes, HomeWorks Tri-County
1 ready-made pie crust
1 teaspoon fl our
½ cup sugar
1 teaspoon cinnamon
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon ground cloves
1 (16-ounce) can (2 cups) pure pumpkin puree
1 (5-ounce) can evaporated milk
2 eggs, beaten
1 (8-ounce) container whipped topping, divided
½ cup chopped pecans
½ cup sour cream
Preheat oven to 425 F. Prepare pie crust according to package directions. In a large bowl, combine fl our, sugar, cinnamon, salt, cloves, pumpkin, evaporated milk, and eggs. Mix well. Fold in 1½ cups whipped cream (reserve remaining for topping) and pecans; stir. Pour into crust. Bake for 15 minutes. Reduce the oven temperature to 350 F and continue baking for 40–45 minutes or until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool. In a small bowl, fold the sour cream into remaining whipped topping. Dollop on the cooled pie.
THREE BEAN CHILI FOR A CROWD
Gary Geyer, Presque Isle Gas & Electric
3 pounds ground chuck
2 (14-ounce) cans kidney beans, liquid reserved
2 (14-ounce) cans pinto beans, liquid reserved
2 (14-ounce) cans black beans, liquid reserved
2 medium onions, diced
2 green bell peppers, diced
1 bunch celery, thinly sliced
2 (4-ounce) cans diced green chilies
1 (28-ounce) can diced tomatoes
1 (14-ounce) can diced tomatoes, chili ready
2 cups water
2 (14½-ounce) cans tomato sauce
3 tablespoons chili powder + 1 teaspoon chili powder, divided
1 tablespoon freshly ground black pepper
1 tablespoon garlic powder
2 tablespoons cumin
½ teaspoon seasoning salt
1–2 sliced jalapeños (for spicier chili)
• Optional toppings: shredded cheese, diced green onions, fi nely diced onions, crackers, sour cream
In a large pot, cook the ground chuck until no longer pink. Drain excess fat. Add only the liquid from the cans of beans (setting the beans aside). Then add the onions, peppers, celery, green chilies, diced tomatoes, water, tomato sauce, chili powder, pepper, garlic, cumin, seasoning salt, and jalapeños (if desired). Stir and cook on high for 20 minutes, stirring often. Then reduce to a simmer for 2 hours while stirring occasionally to prevent sticking/burning. After 2 hours of simmering and stirring, stir in all the beans. If too thick, add small amounts of water and simmer another 10–15 minutes. Serve with optional toppings, if desired.
Celebrating National Co-op Month
Every October, electric cooperatives across the country celebrate National Co-op Month—a time to recognize the unique value co-ops bring to the communities they serve. At Presque Isle Electric & Gas Co-op (PIE&G), this month serves as more than just a celebration—it’s a reminder of why we exist and the people we serve.
As a member-owned and locally controlled cooperative, PIE&G operates differently than investorowned utilities. We’re not here to serve far-away shareholders—we’re here for our members, neighbors, and communities. That sense of purpose shapes every decision we make and fuels the services we provide.
Being part of a cooperative means you have a voice. Our board of directors is made up of members who live in our service area—people who understand the challenges and opportunities our communities face. This local leadership ensures we stay focused on delivering safe, reliable, and affordable energy while continuing to invest in the well-being of the communities we call home.
Whether we’re upgrading infrastructure, responding to outages, or supporting schools and community programs, our commitment always centers on service. Looking ahead, we’re planning for future growth by balancing reliability and affordability while preparing for rising energy demands.
The PIE&G Communities First Fund has suppor ted local organizations since 1998, funding vital projects for emergency responders, youth programs, and more. You can help by rounding up your utility or fiber internet bill—a few cents a month can change lives! On average, members contribute only about 50 cents monthly, totaling around $6 each year, and every donation is taxdeductible. Together, we
has already been returned to nor theast Michigan!
Adam Nightingale
Small-Town Roots, Spartan Glory
By Emily Haines Lloyd
Before the trophies and roaring Munn Ice Arena crowds, Adam Nightingale’s hockey world was a frozen pond in Cheboygan, Michigan. Skates laced tight, cheeks stung red by the winter air, he and his brothers battled for bragging rights. It was there, on that rough northern ice, that he learned lessons he still carries as Michigan State University’s head coach—chief among them, that “hockey is what you do, it’s not who you are.”
In Cheboygan, effort mattered more than accolades, and how you treated people mattered most of all. Today, Nightingale blends that smalltown humility with championship-level ambition, shaping both a winning program and the young men who play for it.
Playing the Right Way
Sports were a family affair. Nightingale’s parents, both athletes themselves, raised their children with competitive spirits, and sports were a part of everyday life. So much so, all three Nightingale brothers have found their way to careers in sports—specifically, hockey. Adam’s older brother, Jason, is the Buffalo Sabres’ assistant director of
amateur scouting, and his younger brother, Jared, played professionally for nearly 10 years and now coaches for the Rockford IceHogs, an affiliate team for the Chicago Blackhawks. But for the Nightingale boys, the focus was never really about reaching the pros. “We were definitely competitive kids,” said Nightingale. “But our parents emphasized doing our best, treating people right, and finding what we were passionate about.”
The Road to Green and White. And Back Again
Nightingale followed his passion for hockey to Lake Superior State University before transferring to Michigan State University for two years.
Wearing the Spartan jersey was more than an athletic milestone; it was almost prophetic. Years later, returning as head coach at MSU was a fullcircle moment.
Nightingale was hired in 2022, inheriting a hockey program that had won only 12 games the previous season.
In just his second season as head coach, Nightingale guided MSU to both the Big Ten
regular-season and tournament championships— the fi rst time in program history that the team captured both titles in the same year. He also earned 2024 Big Ten Coach of the Year honors. Still, he’s quick to share the credit. “We’ve got great players, great staff, great people. Championships are a team effort,” he said.
Finding His Path to Coaching
Coaching wasn’t part of a grand plan. After graduating from college and four seasons in the minors, with his fi rst child on the way, Nightingale left the game for a job with a construction company to secure health insurance. But the pull of the rink never faded.
He began teaching economics and coaching hockey at a boarding school, where he discovered the deep satisfaction of mentoring young athletes.
“Coaching is about relationships,” said Nightingale. “I’ve been the guy on the power play, and I’ve been the guy not on the ice when we’re one goal down. Part of coaching is getting your players to see the value of every role.”
Lessons From the North
Nightingale’s approach to coaching is steeped in the values of rural Michigan—humility, resilience, and community. “There’s a humility in northern Michigan,” he said. “It’s never about your job title or money. It’s about how you treat people.”
Growing up in a small town also meant accountability. “If you want something, you have to work for it,” he said. “There’s a little bit of a chip on your shoulder. Which I think can be a positive thing for an athlete.”
That mentality resonates with his current Spartan players, fostering a culture of competitiveness and continuous improvement. “When something doesn’t go our way, we fi gure out why and get better,” he said.
Full Circle
Now, behind the bench at Munn Ice Arena, Nightingale carries both the tradition of Spartan hockey and the lessons learned on Cheboygan ice.
When the noise of the season fades and the ice lies quiet again, it’s easy to see how that boy from Cheboygan grew into a coach who still plays for all the right reasons.
“Being here,” Nightingale said, “just feels like right.”
I’ve been the guy on the power play, and I’ve been the guy not on the ice when we’re one goal down. Part of coaching is getting your players to see the value of every role.” “
4 Best Bets to Stay Cyber Safe October is National Cybersecurity Awareness Month
Article provided by the National Cybersecurity Alliance
Protecting yourself online doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. A few simple habits can dramatically reduce your risk of falling victim to cybercrime. While you can never be “hackproof,” you can become resilient in the online world.
At the heart of online safety are four essential behaviors we at the National Cybersecurity Alliance call the Core 4. These simple steps will help shield your personal information, protect your online accounts, and keep your devices secure.
1. USE LONG, UNIQUE, AND COMPLEX PASSWORDS. Your passwords are the first line of defense between a criminal and your sensitive information. Here’s how to have amazing passwords:
• Every password must be long, unique, and complex. Nowadays, every password should be at least 16 characters long, which significantly overwhelms password-cracking programs. Use a random mix of letters, numbers, and symbols.
• Don’t reuse passwords. Every account needs a unique password. Unfortunately, making small changes, like
adding numbers or switching out an S with a $, doesn’t count as a unique password.
• Use a password manager to store and generate strong passwords. If you’re wondering how to manage so many unique, long passwords, the answer is a password manager! There are many free, secure options. Password managers are the safest way to store your passwords. If you prefer to keep a password notebook, treat it like cash.
2. ENABLE MULTIFACTOR AUTHENTICATION (MFA). Multifactor authentication (sometimes called 2FA) adds an extra security layer by requiring something more than just your password to log in. Think of it as using two locks on your digital door instead of only one. This could be:
• A one-time code sent to your phone
• A biometric scan like a fingerprint scan or FaceID
• A physical security key
Enable MFA on your accounts—especially email, banking, and social media. It’s a simple way to supercharge the security on
your accounts. Also, never share MFA codes with anyone— this includes not sharing them over the phone, through texts, or via email. Only scammers will ask for MFA codes.
3. KEEP SOFTWARE UPDATED. Software updates don’t just bring new features. They often fix security flaws that criminals exploit. It usually takes a few minutes, but updates are worth it. Here are some tips:
• Turn on automatic updates when possible for your devices and apps. You can usually find these options in your Settings menu.
• Install updates promptly for your operating systems, browsers, antivirus tools, and apps.
• Don’t click Remind Me Later—the security is worth it.
• Remember your phones, smartwatches, and tablets are computers, so keep these devices updated as well!
4. LOOK OUT FOR PHISHING AND SCAMS. Phishing remains the most common online threat. Criminals send fake emails, texts, or social media messages to trick you into revealing sensitive information or clicking malicious links. These messages aim to get you to click before you think by playing your emotions. Scammers will even call you! Here’s how to look out for phishing and scams:
• Be highly skeptical of unexpected messages, especially those urging immediate action or asking for personal details.
• Phishing emails can light up positive emotions (“You’ve won our sweepstakes!”) or negative ones (“You’ve been hacked!”).
• Don’t click suspicious links or download unexpected attachments.
• Report phishing attempts to your email provider, social media platform, or IT department.
• If you’re unsure if a message is legit, ask a friend, coworker, or family member. A second set of eyes can be invaluable in spotting scams.
The National Cybersecurity Alliance is a nonprofit organization on a mission to create a more secure, interconnected world. From families to Fortune 500s and every kind of organization in between, we work together with one goal in mind: to make cybersecurity easier and more accessible, so that we can experience the benefits technology brings to our lives without worry.
JOIN US FOR THE ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING
THURSDAY, OCT. 24
As we celebrate National Co-op Month, we invite all members to join us for PIE&G’s Annual Membership Meeting:
• Hillman Community Center
• Registration begins at 8:30 a.m.
• General business session starts at 10 a.m.
Members will hear updates on cooperative finances and current initiatives, and election results will be announced. A light lunch will follow the meeting.
We encourage you to take pride in your membership. You’re not just a customer—you’re a co-op owner and a vital part of our shared success. At PIE&G, we’re proud to be Powered by Purpose—and proud to serve you.
The Best Garage Sale Find: A 1940 Dodge and a Lifetime of Memories
By Catherine Drager, a HomeWorks Tri-County Electric Cooperative member
I was driving past a garage sale one day and spotted an old dresser in the driveway. Short on time, I didn’t stop. I asked my husband Marvin to check it out the next day to see if it was something I could refi nish for the grandchildren’s bedroom. He stopped at the garage sale but came home and told me that he bought a truck. Puzzled, I said to him that I didn’t see a truck for sale there, and he told me the owner had a 1940 Dodge truck, all in pieces, in the garage and on the rafters, that he never got around to putting together and restoring.
Needless to say, those pieces came home with him. He worked on it in his spare time, between running his business and visiting our cabin in Farwell. He dedicated more time to it once our son was getting married at the Packard Proving Grounds in Shelby
Township in May of 2016. You could have one of their classic Packard cars to display at the reception, or bring in your own classic vehicle. The Dodge wasn’t completed at that point, but we were happy to use our late brother-inlaw’s 1930 Model A for the wedding.
The truck was completed shortly after, and my husband enjoyed taking it to the Downriver and Woodward Dream Cruises and car shows, and driving it around town. He even put a lap belt in it for me so that I didn’t bounce around on the bench seat. Many family members and friends enjoyed rides in the truck, and he loved sharing the stories of searching for the parts and the challenge of putting it all together. Marvin passed in 2021, but I am grateful he never checked out that old dresser, but was able to enjoy his best garage sale “fi nd.”
“Many family members and friends enjoyed rides in the truck, and he loved sharing the stories of searching for the parts and the challenge of putting it all together.”
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