Support
September 2019
MICHIGAN
COUNTRY LINES Cherryland Electric Cooperative
LI FE . O N . A . FR E I G HTE R . COME ABOARD WITH CADET-IN-TRAINING TAYLOR BROWN FOR A LOOK AT LIFE ON THE FRESH SEAS.
Taking Action On Carbon
Teen Opens Business In Downtown TC Looking Back At Annual Meeting
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In This Issue September 2019 || Vol. 39, No. 8
Michigan’s Electric Cooperatives
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Design and Production: Karreen Bird Recipe Editor: Christin McKamey Publisher: Michigan Electric Cooperative Association
Come share in the splendor of rural Michigan with us
michigancountrylines One day the sky decided it wanted to come down to earth and spend a day on the beach. #lakemichigan #whoa Really cool capture by @janomurf
Michigan Country Lines, USPS-591-710, is published monthly, except August and December, with periodicals postage paid at Lansing, Mich., and additional offices. It is the official publication of the Michigan Electric Cooperative Association, 201 Townsend St., Suite 900, Lansing, MI 48933.
ON THE COVER
Subscriptions are authorized for members of Alger Delta, Cherryland, Great Lakes, HomeWorks Tri-County, Midwest Energy & Communications, Ontonagon, Presque Isle, and Thumb electric cooperatives by their boards of directors.
The 1,004-foot cargo ship, the Edwin H. Gott, is home to both long-time crew and those training as mariners. The massive freighter’s bow is pictured on the cover against the backdrop of the mighty Mackinac Bridge. Learn more about life as a cadet at the Great Lakes Maritime Academy on page 14.
POSTMASTER: SEND ALL UAA TO CFS. Association officers are Robert Kran, Great Lakes Energy, chairman; Tony Anderson, Cherryland Electric Cooperative, vice chairman; and Eric Baker, Wolverine Power Cooperative, secretarytreasurer. Craig Borr is president and CEO. CONTACT US/LETTERS TO EDITOR: Michigan Country Lines 201 Townsend St., Suite 900 Lansing, MI 48933 248-534-7358 editor@countrylines.com countrylines.com
CHANGE OF ADDRESS:
Please notify your electric cooperative. See page 4 for contact information.
The appearance of advertising does not constitute an endorsement of the products or services advertised.
6 THE DRIVING FORCE: PLUG INTO ELECTRIC VEHICLES On The Road: Norm Rosema Takes Electricity For A Spin Emily Haines Lloyd
10 MI CO-OP KITCHEN Kick-off Tailgating Season With These Winning Recipes
@michigancountrylines
ATTENTION READERS: The publisher of Michigan Country Lines magazine is working with NRECA Market Research Service, a reputable public opinion research company, to conduct a confidential survey for Michigan’s electric cooperatives. If NRECA contacts you by phone or email, please be assured they are not selling anything. The short, confidential survey will help your co-op serve you better. Thank you for your time and help with this survey.
Christin McKamey & Our Readers
Enter Our Recipe Contest And Win A $50 Bill Credit!
Best of Michigan
14 FEATURE Life On A Freighter
UP NEXT! BAKERIES: We’re on a sweet journey to find the best bakeries in the state! Share your favorites. We will publish this member–recommended list in our November/December issue. Submit your favorites at countrylines.com under the MI Co-op Community tab by September 20.
Taylor Brown, courtesy of Traverse Magazine
18 MI CO-OP COMMUNITY Best Of Michigan Crafts Beers
Pour yourself a cold one from this member-recommended list. Guess Our New Mystery Photo And Win A $50 Bill Credit!
MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES
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CO-OP NEWS
LEELANAU
BENZIE
GRAND TRAVERSE
MANISTEE
WEXFORD
KALKASKA
Board Of Directors
TOM VAN PELT President 231-386-5234 tvanpelt@cherrylandelectric.coop DAVID SCHWEITZER Senior Vice President 231-883-5860 dschweitzer@cherrylandelectric.coop GABE SCHNEIDER Secretary 517-449-6453 gschneider@cherrylandelectric.coop MELINDA LAUTNER Treasurer 231-947-2509 mlautner@cherrylandelectric.coop TERRY LAUTNER Director 231-946-4623 tlautner@cherrylandelectric.coop JOHN OLSON Director 231-938-1228 jolson@cherrylandelectric.coop JON ZICKERT Director 231-631-1337 jzickert@cherrylandelectric.coop GENERAL MANAGER Tony Anderson CO-OP EDITORS Rachel Johnson Rob Marsh
OFFICE HOURS Monday–Friday 7:30 a.m.– 4 p.m. TELEPHONE NUMBERS 231-486-9200 or 1-800-442-8616 (Mich.) ADDRESS P.O. Box 298, Grawn, MI 49637 WEBSITE cherrylandelectric.coop PAY STATION Cherryland Electric Cooperative office 5930 U.S. 31 South, Grawn MI, 49637 Cherryland Electric Cooperative is an equal opportunity provider and employer. Follow us on Facebook. facebook.com/cherrylandelectriccoop Follow us on Instagram. @cherrylandec
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Cherryland Cares Awards $9,000 To Three Nonprofits At their second quarter board meeting, the Cherryland Cares board awarded grants to three local, nonprofit organizations: Benzie County Baby Pantry, Camp Quality Michigan, and Traverse Bay Children’s Advocacy Center. These grants will go towards supplies for a family pantry, camp scholarships for children fighting cancer, and sexual abuse prevention education in the local school athletic community. Cherryland Cares awarded $9,000 to these nonprofits. In 2019, Cherryland Cares has awarded a total of $24,000 in grants to area nonprofits. The Cherryland Cares board is comprised of five volunteer Cherryland members. 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 us at cec@cherrylandelectric.coop. If you are an area nonprofit agency seeking financial help, third-quarter grant applications are due Friday, Sept. 6. For more information, please call Shannon Mattson at 231-486-9234 or email at smattson@cherrylandelectric.coop.
Cherryland Assists Greilick Outdoor Center For Day Of Caring Cherryland will be assisting the Greilick Outdoor Recreation & Education Center as part of United Way’s Day of Caring 2019. The one-day event matches local businesses with local nonprofit agencies and schools to complete meaningful projects that fulfill agency and community needs. This year’s Day of Caring takes place on Thursday, Sept. 12.
Board Adjusts September Board Meeting Start Time, Votes To Expand Member Input Sessions At their July board meeting, the Cherryland Board of Directors opted to push back their September board meeting start time to 11 a.m. They also voted to expand the member input sessions during board meetings from quarterly to monthly. The next opportunity to provide direct input to the board is on Monday, Sept. 16, at 11 a.m. at the cooperative office in Grawn. Members are asked to come to the lobby and request to speak to the board. Members are asked to keep their comments to five minutes. Attendance at the board meeting is allowed for the public input portion of the meeting only.
Co-op Connections Card Benefits To Expire January 1 As of January 1, 2020, Cherryland members will no longer be able to use the Touchstone Energy Co-op Connections Card to receive discounts on products and services from participating businesses, including pharmacies. Contact your local pharmacy for information about possible discounts and reward programs.
Words Or Results? Tony Anderson, General Manager
“
Cherryland will always be looking to improve our portfolio of clean, affordable power—today, tomorrow, next month and next year.
”
“100% carbon-free,” “90% reduction in carbon emissions by 2040,” “80% carbon-free by 2050,” “25% renewable by 2030;” the list goes on and on.
guess if you are an entity that really doesn’t care about affordable power supply, you might not care about giving up negotiating leverage. That entity is not Cherryland.
Lately, it seems like people are constantly asking me, “Why doesn’t Cherryland Electric Cooperative have a long-range, carbon-free goal?” It seems that all the “cool kids” are doing it in Michigan and across the country. It is a good question with a few explanations.
Third, if climate change is truly at a critical stage, shouldn’t we be doing something today and not 20 plus years from now? Cherryland has gone from less than 1% renewable and somewhere below 10% carbon-free 20 years ago to a portfolio of power that was nearly 20% renewable and 62% carbon-free in 2018. We have done it with only two rate increases in the last 10 years as well.
First, I’m old. I have been around this industry a long while and I’ve seen cycles come and go. I have watched the rise of renewables and the fall of coal-fired generation. What I have not seen is a utility executive make a carbon-free claim in a timeframe he or she will actually be responsible for and accountable to see through. It would be so easy for me to make a 2040 claim, gather a bunch of slaps on the proverbial back, let the public relations chatter quiet over several months or a few years and then slip off into retirement or another job long before 2040. I simply choose not to do that. Whenever I retire, I will look back proudly on a record of accomplishments rather than news clippings of grandiose statements. Second, why would I give up my best-negotiating lever by letting energy developers know my deadline, the size of my need and what types of energy I am locked into? Why wouldn’t anyone want room to negotiate the best price? Well, I
Our goal at Cherryland is to get better every year. We are proud of a 62% carbon-free accomplishment, but we are not satisfied. We will continue to look for opportunities to make that number even better in the months and years ahead. When the opportunities in Michigan are defeated like they have been over the past 12 months, we will look to our neighboring states. If those opportunities slip through our grasp, we will look farther out into the regional grid. My point is simple. Cherryland will always be looking to improve our portfolio of clean, affordable power—today, tomorrow, next month and next year. We don’t need a 2040 goal. We need to improve on the success of our last 20 years. This is simply how we choose to go about our business. If we focus on doing the right things today, 2040 takes care of itself through our actions and not the hollow words of a far-off date.
MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES
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The Driving Force: Plug Into Electric Vehicles
Norm Rosema and Roger Bradshaw worked together to plan Norm’s EV road trip from Michigan to California.
On the Road Norm Rosema Takes Electricity For A Spin By Emily Haines Lloyd
Norm and Donna Rosema loved taking drives together.
Not long after, a plan started piecing together.
Norm, now 82, lost his beloved wife of 57 years unexpectedly in February, 2018 in an automobile accident. The devastation of such a loss can be insurmountable, but it was perhaps that shared love of taking drives that helped Norm heal.
Friends in California had missed Donna’s memorial service, and Norm had never felt quite right about that. He began thinking of driving from his home in Fremont, Michigan, to where his friends lived in Southern California, over 2,000 miles away.
As in the case of most curative stories, family and friends can be found at the heart of each.
Planning cross-country road trips takes a certain amount of organization. Taking cross-country road trips in an electric car takes a tribe.
A friend of Norm’s, Roger Bradshaw, purchased a Chevy Bolt in 2018, replacing his previous electric car, a Chevy Volt purchased in 2012. Over the years, Roger and Norm frequently talked about electric vehicles, how they were evolving, and why Roger was hooked. “Eventually, I thought, ‘I say I care about the environment and want to reduce my carbon footprint,’” said Norm. “If that’s true, I’m either going to quit driving or do something about it.” In August 2018, Norm purchased a Chevy Bolt. 6 SEPTEMBER 2019
While dates and routes were being considered, Roger was a huge help, utilizing his experiences over the years with his electric vehicles and identifying useful resources to find charging stations along the way. Roger and Norm also took a small test run to Brighton, Michigan—about two and a half hours away. “Plug Share was a beneficial resource in finding charging stations along Norm’s planned route to California,” said Roger. “Norm did a great job of identifying dealerships that also offered charging capabilities.”
“Eventually, I thought, ‘I say I care about the environment and want to reduce my carbon footprint. If that’s true, I’m either going to quit driving or do something about it.’” —Norm Rosema
What Do EV Charging Levels Mean?
Norm set out on his trip the day after Easter in 2019, with maps, OnStar, and his friend Roger just a phone call away. Norm navigated the range anxiety (concern of running out of power without a charging station nearby) and even settled into traveling at a slightly slower speed to conserve energy. Having Roger available for quick online checks was another way that Norm felt he had his buddy in the passenger seat supporting him. Norm found dealerships very helpful and courteous—offering him their lounges and cups of coffee while his Bolt recharged. It wasn’t until a charge at Petrified Forest in the Painted Desert on his way to Flagstaff, Arizona, that Norm ran into his only challenge. After charging at a Level 2 station, with approximately 50 extra miles available on his charge, Norm experienced the effect of the altitude changes on the way to Flagstaff. Increased incline uses more power, and as Norm pulled into his reserved hotel that evening, he had very little energy left. The hotel had misinformed Norm about their charging capabilities, sending him elsewhere for a Level 2 station, which ended up being out of service. After a bit of a scavenger hunt, Norm pulled up to a final station and his car ran out of juice. He’d pulled up just far enough to plug in, but the car wouldn’t accept the charge. One tow truck later and Norm and his Bolt were at a local dealership. The serviceman on duty said they didn’t have a certified Bolt technician, but they decided to plug it into an older Volt charging station and try their luck. At first—nothing. But finally, a green flashing light indicated the car was receiving a charge. The serviceman offered to drop Norm at his hotel, as the man was heading out on a date with his wife. He then offered to swing by the dealership on his way home to check on the Bolt and give Norm an update. The following day, that same serviceman came in on his day off to meet Norm and make sure his Bolt was charged enough to make it on his next leg of the trip. “The people you meet along the way, I tell you…” said Norm. “I’ll always remember folks like that guy and Roger who made this trip a success.” Norm made it to his next stop to meet friends in Phoenix and finally to his destination in California. “There were a lot of emotions as I arrived in California—having that time to remember Donna and do some thinking and grieving,” said Norm. “There was also a total feeling of success and being so blessed. Being with friends just accentuated it all.”
Level 1—Home Charging: Level 1 charging cords are standard equipment on a new EV. Level 1 charging only requires a grounded (three-prong) 120V outlet and can add about 40 miles of range in an eight-hour overnight charge. Overnight Level 1 charging is suitable for low and medium range plug-in hybrids and all-electric battery electric vehicle drivers with low daily driving usage.
Level 2—Home and Public Charging: Level 2 charging typically requires a charging unit on a 240V circuit, like the circuit used to power a common electric clothes dryer. The charging rate depends on the vehicle’s acceptance rate and the maximum current available. With a typical 30 amp circuit, about 180 miles can be added during an eight-hour charge. Level 2 chargers are the most common public chargers, and you can find them at places like offices, grocery stores, and parking garages. Public Level 2 chargers have a standard EV connection plug that fits all current vehicles, except for Teslas, which require an adapter.
DC Fast Charging—Public Charging: DC fast charging is the fastest currently available recharging method. It can typically add 50 to 90 miles in 30 minutes, depending on the station’s power capacity and the make of EV. Courtesy of ucsusa.org
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A NEW REALITY Teen Opens Business In Downtown TC By Rob Marsh
B
rent Brisbois is like any regular 16-year-old. He plays lacrosse, enjoys the occasional round of paintball, and proudly owns a driver’s license. However, this year, while others his age were enjoying the freedom of summer vacation, he was busy starting his own business. Brisbois owns Verge of Reality, a new virtual reality (VR) arcade located in downtown Traverse City’s Warehouse District. Armed with a headset and a couple of specialty hand controllers, patrons can fully immerse themselves in one of 50 different VR games and experiences, while family and friends relax on a couch and watch the fun from a monitor. “Most people haven’t tried VR,” said Brisbois. “They usually start out with 15 to 30 minutes their first time, and then they want more.”
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Brisbois has always enjoyed video games and building personal computers, but it wasn’t until a trip to the Upper Peninsula that he thought his hobby could become a business. “At the time, I was looking into getting a VR headset, but I was dragging my feet because I had tried one for my phone and it wasn’t very good,” he explained. “Then, we were up north in Marquette for a bike race and stopped by a VR arcade. I thought, ‘Why not just do that here in Traverse City?’” With support from his parents, Cherryland members Peter and Mary Brisbois, Brent jumped headfirst into making his idea a reality and putting together a business plan—something he admits was a big learning experience. “My business plan stunk before I got help from the
Small Business Development Center. Before I was trying to use the website wikiHow,” he laughed. The guidance and hard work paid off for him. After receiving funding (including winning a check for “Best Pitch” from TCNewTech, a local tech enthusiast group), he acquired and renovated the space, set up the equipment, and opened the doors of Verge of Reality within a couple of months. Since opening in June, Brisbois has been busy handling his storefront, seven days a week (outside of the occasional day off with the help of his parents). Do the long days bother him? Not really. It could be, in part, because the arcade has already seen success, particularly during Traverse City’s busy festival season. “Cherry Fest was great! The last few days when it was cloudy and rainy everybody came in here,” he said. Now that summer is coming to an end and his junior year of high school is in full swing, Brisbois is thinking about his future and his business. He sees room for both in his plans. “I want to go to college for computer hardware engineering, but Verge of Reality could keep going indefinitely,” he explained. “In fact, we have four VR stations in here right now. I would like to add another four.” Teenager or not, owning a small business is no cakewalk. But with a great idea and a can-do attitude, Brent Brisbois knows anything is possible. “Don’t be afraid to get help and just do it. You’ve got to keep working on it, and eventually, it will happen.”
Local teen entrepreneur Brent Brisbois stands at the entrance of Verge of Reality, a virtual reality arcade that Brisbois successfully launched just three months ago.
“Don’t be afraid to get help and just do it. You’ve got to keep working on it, and eventually, it will happen.”
Brent Brisbois works seven days a week, juggling his small business duties with his studies as a full-time high school student.
Tailgating Favorites Kick-off your tailgating party with these winning recipes. Photos by Robert Bruce Photography Recipes Submitted By MCL Readers And Tested By Recipe Editor Christin McKamey
Winning Recipe!
Garlic Cheese Bombs Mindy Emerson, Great Lakes Energy
1 (16-ounce) can refrigerated buttermilk biscuits (non-flaky) 4 mozzarella cheese sticks (cut into 6 pieces) or 24 mini mozzarella balls 2 tablespoons salted butter, melted 1 large clove garlic, minced 3 tablespoons fresh parmesan, grated 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (or 1½ teaspoons dry) ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning • kosher salt, to taste Preheat oven to 400 F. Lightly grease two mini-muffin tins (24 muffins total) or one large baking sheet with butter/non-stick spray. Take refrigerated biscuits and cut each one in thirds, then roll each piece out until it’s ¼–¹⁄ 8 inch thick. Place one mozzarella ball on the edge of your dough strip and roll dough over the cheese until it wraps over itself. Make sure to seal any openings at the seams with your fingers. Repeat with remaining dough bombs and transfer to greased muffin tins or baking sheet. 10 SEPTEMBER 2019
In a microwaveable bowl, combine butter with minced garlic and microwave until melted (30–45 seconds). In a large bowl, whisk together melted butter, garlic, parmesan, parsley, Italian seasoning, and salt, then dip cheese balls individually in the mixture, coat, and place them back in the muffin tins. Bake for 10 minutes, or until golden brown. Remove from oven and serve immediately. Makes 24 cheese bombs. Note: I make these a day before and refrigerate the dough until I am ready to bake right before the tailgate. I place them in an aluminum pan and cover with foil to keep them warm. Enjoy!
Watch a video of this month’s winning recipe at micoopkitchen.com/videos
Rod’s Dog Sauce What’s more American than tailgating at a Detroit Tiger’s game while enjoying a Michigan-made Koegel’s hot dog? Well, I’ll tell you——putting my amazing dog sauce in the mix hits your tastebuds out of the park! Rod O’Connor, HomeWorks Tri-County 1 pound ground beef 3 garlic cloves, chopped 2 habanero peppers, chopped 1 medium white onion, chopped 1 tablespoon salt 1 tablespoon black pepper 3 tablespoons chili powder 1 teaspoon cumin
1 12-ounce can Budweiser 1 14.5-ounce can stewed tomatoes 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce 3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce ½ cup rinsed dark red kidney beans
Brown beef with garlic, peppers, and onion. Drain fat. Stir in dry spices; salt, pepper, chili powder, and cumin. Add beer and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to a medium-low. Mix in stewed tomatoes and tomato sauce. Stir in Worcestershire sauce. Simmer for 30 minutes, then add the beans. Simmer for another 30 minutes. Pack in cooler and reheat in a pot on the grill.
Fresh Poppers Kris Hazeres, Alger Delta
1 large (2-pound) bag sweet mini peppers 2 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, softened 1 pound package bacon, cooked and chopped (or pre-cooked bacon) 2–3 jalapeños, finely diced 1½ cups finely shredded sharp cheddar or pepper jack cheese
Touchdown Cheeseball Katie Schneider, Midwest Energy 1½ cups pecans 2 (8-ounce) packages softened cream cheese 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese 1½ tablespoons mayo 1 teaspoon lemon juice
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce ½ teaspoon garlic powder 1 (2.25-ounce) jar dried beef 4 green onions
Pull cream cheese out to soften. Preheat oven to 350 F. Spread pecans on a baking tray and toast for 5–6 minutes. Let cool. Cream together the softened cream cheese, cheddar cheese, mayo, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, and garlic powder until light and fluffy. Chop dried beef and green onions; mix into cheese mixture. Spoon mixture into plastic wrap and form into football shape. Refrigerate for 2 hours. Chop the cooled pecans. Roll the chilled cheese ball in the toasted chopped pecans and serve with assorted crackers or veggies. It can be stored in fridge for 3–5 days or freeze before rolling in pecans.
Remove the cream cheese from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. This will make it easier to mix with the other ingredients. Meanwhile, cook bacon until crispy (or use already cooked bacon). While the bacon is cooking, cut the mini peppers in half lengthwise and clean out seeds. You can also take this time to finely dice the jalapeños and shred the cheese. Once the bacon is done and cooled a bit, use a large knife to chop into small bits. In a medium to large bowl, use a spoon to mix together all of your ingredients except for the mini peppers. Use a small spoon or mini spatula to stuff the mini peppers with the mixture.
Christmas Cookies: due September 1
Comfort Food: due October 1 Submit your favorite recipe for a chance to win a $50 bill credit and have your recipe featured in Country Lines with a photo and a video.
Enter to win a
$50
energy bill credit!
Go to micoopkitchen.com for more information and to register.
MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES
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WE’VE GOT A
BRIGHT IDEA
for your home
Make energy efficient upgrades and enjoy new rebates in 2019!
Here’s how it works: You decide to make your home more efficient. You’re eligible to receive rebates from us. It’s that simple. Just another benefit of co-op membership!
Rebate Type
Amount
LED Bulbs (when replacing incandescent bulbs) LED downlight / flood / can light bulb Outdoor LED automatic dusk to dawn flood
$3 $6 $15
Clothes Washer Dehumidifier Refrigerator / Freezer (10 cubic feet or larger) Television (21” or larger, limit 5)
$20 $20 $20 $20
Electric Vehicle*** Residential Level 2 Charging Station*** Commercial Level 2 Charging Station***
$2,000 $500 $1,000
Electric Water Heater*** Heat Pump Water Heater ECM Central Air Conditioning*** Mini Split System Well-Connect Heat Pump*** Air to Air Heat Pump*** Ground Water Heat Pump***
$500 $100 $50 $500 $100 $1,500 $2,000 $5,000
Refrigerator / Freezer Recycling
$20
READY TO GET
VISIT OUR WEBSITE!
YOUR REBATES?
cherrylandelectric.coop
Please download and complete the rebate form on our website and send it to us with copies of all receipts/invoices within 30 days of purchase. All appliances must be Energy Star rated to qualify for rebates. Funds may be limited and other restrictions may apply. ***Please call us prior to purchase to ensure eligibility and availability of funds, or with any questions about residential rebates, at (231) 486-9200.
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Looking Back At Cherryland’s 81st Annual Meeting
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1. Members got to experience what it’s like to be a Cherryland lineworker with a bucket truck ride. 2. General Manager Tony Anderson announced the co-op’s partnership with Habitat for Humanity—Grand Traverse Region. 3. The Annual Meeting offers plenty of fun for the whole family, including bowling, arcade games, cornhole, and more. 4. The electric vehicle display, including demos from Tesla and ChargePoint, was a huge hit. 5. Incredible Mo’s is the perfect host for an evening of food, fun, and information. 6. A high-five from mascot Willie Wiredhand is an absolute must!
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7. Three directors were elected to the Cherryland board during the Annual Meeting. MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES 13
AS PRINTED IN TRAVERSE, NORTHERN MICHIGAN’S MAGAZINE / JUNE 2019 / WANT MORE STORIES LIKE THESE? SUBSCRIBE TODAY (FOR JUST $24 A YEAR)! MYNORTH.COM/SUBSCRIBE
LI F E . O N . A . F R E I G HTE R . FOURTEEN KNOTS AND A FEW HUNDRED MILES OF LAKE MICHIGAN REMAIN BEFORE THE NEXT STOP. COME ABOARD WITH CADET-IN-TRAINING TAYLOR BROWN FOR A LOOK AT LIFE ON THE FRESH SEAS.
CLOCKWISE: WOW, THAT VIEW / THE BRIDGE HOUSES THE HELM, STEERING STAND AND OTHER CONTROLS / THAT’S ME. WE’RE USUALLY ALLOWED TO WEAR WHATEVER WE WANT WHEN WORKING, BUT WE WEAR OUR CLASS UNIFORM AT THE ACADEMY.
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SAIL THE STRAITS. Take in gorgeous views like this one. MyNorth.com/summercruises
CLOCKWISE: “THE TUNNEL” / COLTON, A MARITIME CADET FROM TEXAS, ON THE ACADEMY’S TRAINING SHIP / HAPPY 4TH! / SUNSET VIEW
MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES 15
Your Board In Action June Board Meeting • The board elected to again opt out of the Michigan Energy Assistance Program (MEAP). By opting out, members do not have to pay a monthly surcharge to fund the program, and the co-op agreed to not disconnect anyone for nonpayment from November 1 through April 15. • The board approved clerical updates to a variety of policies. These policies included subjects such as data privacy, voting procedures, safety equipment, and capital credits. • The co-op’s general manager updated the board on the recent partnership with Habitat for Humanity – Grand Traverse Region. The co-op is making a three-year commitment of $100,000 annually to the nonprofit to fund a program aimed at repairing low-income homes in need of weatherization improvements.
July Board Meeting • The board held their annual reorganizational meeting to elect officers. The new board officers are Tom Van Pelt (president), Dave Schweitzer (senior vice president), Gabe Schneider (secretary), and Melinda Lautner (treasurer). • The board voted to adjust the number of member input sessions from quarterly to monthly. Members have the opportunity to provide direct input to the board at the beginning of any regularly scheduled board meeting. • The co-op’s member relations manager reported to the board statistics from June’s Annual Meeting and the 2019 board of directors’ election. The co-op saw a 12.5% increase in attendance at the Annual Meeting and a 54.7% increase in voting over last year.
16 SEPTEMBER 2019
Notice to Members of Cherryland Electric Cooperative Case No. U-16591 2018 Renewable Energy Plan Annual Report Summary 2008 PA 295, as amended, requires all Michigan electric utilities to get 10% of their power supply from renewable sources during 2018. Under this requirement, Cherryland Electric Cooperative submits an annual report to the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) regarding its Renewable Energy Plan. In 2018, Cherryland acquired a total of 62,965 renewable energy credits (14,493 credits from Harvest Wind Farm, LLC, 4,908 credits from Thunder Bay—Four Mile, 43,343 credits from Deerfield Wind Farm and 221 credits from SpartanSolar) and 460 incentive credits from Thunder Bay— Four Mile and 472 incentive credits from SpartanSolar. All credit transfers were directed through Cherryland’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 by request at the cooperative’s offices.
Public Act 295: The Clean Renewable And Efficient Energy Act 2018 Annual Energy Waste Reduction Report Cherryland Electric Cooperative MPSC Case Number U-18273 During 2018, Cherryland Electric Cooperative administered its own Energy Waste Reduction (EWR) plan in order to comply with PA-295. Previously, Cherryland submitted its EWR plan with the MPSC. This EWR plan was approved by the MPSC and Cherryland began implementing the 2018 EWR Plan. Cherryland implemented all residential, commercial, and industrial programs and self-certified the kWh savings. Overall, Cherryland Electric Cooperative’s EWR program achieved/exceeded the savings goals while being under budget. The full report can be obtained at your Cooperative’s headquarters.
Photo Contest Most votes on Facebook!
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Sunrise/Sunset 1. “ Small town sunsets are the best (Bear Lake)” by Mandy Schram
2. “ Lake Michigan Beauty” by Melissa Braun 3. “ What could be better than conversation and sun?” by Michael McCann
4. “ Sunset swim on Torch Lake” by Daniel Packer
5. “ Even the deer stopped to gaze at
this spectacular sunrise in Northport!” by Laurel Riley
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Submit Your “Ugly Christmas Sweater” Photos! Submit your best photo and encourage your friends to vote! The photo receiving the most votes from our Facebook contest will be printed in an issue of Country Lines along with some of our other favorites.
Enter to win a
$200
energy bill credit!
Our September theme is Ugly Christmas Sweater. Photos can be submitted through September 20 to be featured in our November/December issue.
Enter Your Photos And Win A Bill Credit!
To enter the contest visit facebook.com/cherrylandelectriccoop and click “Photo Contest” from the menu tabs. If you’re not on Facebook, that’s okay. You can also enter the contest at cherrylandelectric.coop/photo-contest. Enter your picture, cast your vote, and encourage others to vote for you as well. If your photo is printed in Country Lines during 2019, you will be entered to win a credit of up to $200 on your December 2019 bill. MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES 17
Guess this photo and enter to win a
$50
energy bill credit!
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Where In Michigan Is This? Identify the correct location of the photo above by September 20 and be entered into a drawing to win a $50 electric bill credit. Enter your guess at countrylines.com or send by mail to: Country Lines Mystery Photo, 201 Townsend St., Suite 900, Lansing, MI 48933. Include the name on your account, address, phone number and the name of your co-op. Our Mystery Photo Contest winner from the July/August issue is Lena Clor, a Thumb Electric Cooperative member, who correctly identified the photo as Lake Huron by the Edison Plant in Harbor Beach, Michigan. Winners are announced in the following issues of Country Lines: January, March, May, July/August, September and November/December.
Best Beer
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Our beautiful state boasts some of the best beer in the nation. You can’t throw a rock in Michigan without hitting a great brewery these days. Discover a new favorite craft beer, recommended by MCL readers, at these breweries around the state. Cheers!
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Summer Love—Mackinaw Brewing Company, Traverse City As a northern Michigan pioneer in micro-breweries, Mackinaw Brewing Company in Traverse City has been serving up craft beers for 22 years, and during that time, brewmaster Mike Dwyer has been creating some of the finest brews in all of Michigan. I like Mike because he does a great job at pleasing beer connoisseurs with his Dark Stouts and Red Ales, as well as catering to novice drinkers, like me, with his American IPAs and Belgian Whites. My all-time favorites are his seasonal growlers of Summer Love with a hint of lemon and his Heritage Cherry Lager named in honor of the T.C. Cherry Festival Heritage Day Parade. Rumor has it he will be brewing up a fall seasonal craft named October Fest, which will be a nice multi German Amber Lager. Can’t wait… Allys Dreves, Cherryland
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Lake Phantom—Ludington Bay Brewing, Ludington The best beer on the lakeshore of Lake Michigan is Lake Phantom by Ludington Bay Brewing. Mary Campbell, Great Lakes Energy
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Two-Hearted—Bell’s Brewery, Kalamazoo The best brew is Two-Hearted by Bell’s Brewery in Kalamazoo. It’s also the #1 Craft Beer in the United States. If you haven’t tried it, you should. Jennifer Grosskurth, Midwest Energy & Communications
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Prima Hoparina—BAD Brewing Company, Mason Go try Prima Hoparina, a double IPA, brewed and served at BAD Brewing Company in Mason. They have lots of awesome craft beer! Hilda Wittingen, Great Lakes Energy
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Juicy New England Style IPA— Petoskey Brewing, Petoskey Juicy New England Style IPA from Petoskey Brewing is my favorite. It has mouthwatering citrus and tropical hop aromas. Leland Wolken, HomeWorks Tri-County
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Experimental Ales—Greenbush Brewing Company, Sawyer Greenbush Brewing Company in Sawyer offers a large portfolio of house-brewed beer, including experimental Ales. Walter Maciaga, Midwest Energy & Communications.
July/August 2019 Photo by Heather Patterson
18 SEPTEMBER 2019
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Walter Gets Buzzed—Pigeon Hill Brewing Company, Muskegon Pigeon Hill Brewing Company in Muskegon makes a tasty brew called Walter Gets Buzzed, a lighter beer with a hint of coffee taste. Linnea Miller, Great Lakes Energy
Best of Michigan UP NEXT! BAKERIES: We’re on a sweet journey to find the best bakeries in the state! Share your favorites. We will publish this member–recommended list in our November/December issue. Submit your favorites at countrylines.com under the MI Co-op Community tab by September 20.
Hybrid Geothermal
It Pays for Itself
WHAT DO OUR CUSTOMERS SAY?
Your financing cost and the cost to heat with Well-Connect is typically less than your current cost.
“Well-Connect is one of the best investments we’ve ever made. We are able to maintain our home at a warm and comfortable temperature during the cold months. Likewise, during the warmer months, the added benefit of the air conditioning keeps our home nice and cool. The best part is we are spending significantly less on our energy costs to have a more comfortable home."
- Aaron & Dawn Hamp, PIE&G Member “When I could no longer physically cut 20 cords of wood, I installed a Well-Connect. The system has met all claims and surprised me. If people are heating and cooling with propane, fuel oil, or wood and have their own well, they have a need and don't realize it. That need is to cut those heating & cooling costs by at least half (as well as emissions). As for cooling, it has cost us $9.00 to cool this month (July)!!”
- Jess Steed, Cherryland Electric Member
IT PAYS FOR ITSELF The cost to finance and heat with a Well-Connect is typically less than your current heating cost.
HOW DOES THE SYSTEM WORK? Well-Connect works in combination with your home’s current heating system. This hybrid approach allows almost any existing well to become a free, clean energy source for heating and cooling your home.
CALL FOR A FREE HOME VISIT 989-356-2113 wellconnectsaves.com
cherrylandelectric.coop
We’re rockin’
even cleaner energy.
You call this place home and so do we. That’s why we’re making clean and reliable energy affordable for all.
Our members
are now powered by...
62% carbon-free energy
Learn more by visiting cherrylandelectric.coop
