Sept. 19 GLE

September 2019

MICHIGAN

COUNTRY LINES Great Lakes Energy 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.

Director Election Results

Free Energy Seminars Circling The Wagons For Special Needs

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In This Issue September 2019 || Vol. 39, No. 8

Michigan’s Electric Cooperatives

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Executive Editor: Casey Clark Editor: Christine Dorr Copy Editor: Heidi Spencer

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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

3

Board of Directors

Mark Carson Chairman, District 2

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

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

Paul Schemanski Secretary, District 1

Brighter Futures

5974 Stolt Rd., Petoskey, MI 49770 231-439-9079 • paul.schemanski@glenergy.com

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

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

Paul Byl Director, District 7

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

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

Dale Farrier Director, District 5

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

John LaForge Director, District 9

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

President/CEO: Bill Scott 888-485-2537

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

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

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

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

facebook.com/greatlakesenergy

4 SEPTEMBER 2019

Bill Scott, Great Lakes Energy President/CEO

G

reat Lakes Energy is run by people with different areas of expertise and education, but all share one thing in common: the desire to make sure you, our members, get the most reliable service at the best value.

Our commitment to that cause remains as we seek to employ the next generation of employees.

A new initiative from the Charlevoix-Emmet (Char-Em) ISD, Career Tech to Careers, is celebrating the decision of high school graduates to enter the workforce after earning their diploma—specifically, those students whose high school careers included career and technical education classes. In July, Great Lakes Energy joined with Char-Em at our headquarters in Boyne City to honor a recent high school graduate, Alex Sutton, for becoming employed, or “signing,” with GLE immediately after high school. This was done in the spirit of how colleges sign high school student-athletes who commit to play a sport in college.

Alex, a 2019 graduate of East Jordan High School, completed the Energy Fundamentals: Line Worker Emphasis course offered at Boyne City High School. GLE played a pivotal role in the program, which gives participating students a taste of what it’s like to work high off the ground building our energy infrastructure and maintaining power lines. Two of our very own linemen, Derek Maki and James Rincon, devoted their time to help teach the course.

For many students, college is a wonderful path to meeting their goals, but for others, technical and skilled trades are a better fit. At GLE, we are proud to offer career opportunities for both those who attended college and those who choose to enter the skilled trades workforce. There is an everincreasing demand for skilled trade workers, and we are happy to provide opportunities to students who wish to begin a stable career in a growing field, sometimes right after high school.

Alex is also a testament to the success of the Energy Fundamentals course we partner to deliver. We’re pleased to be able to participate in this program to invest in students like Alex who represent the future.

Pictured front row, from left: Career and Technical Director Jim Rummer, Char-Em ISD; 2019 East Jordan High School graduate Alex Sutton, cable/facilities locater for GLE; GLE Operations Manager Dave DeNise; Line Worker Class Co-instructor James Rincon.

Back row, from left: Jennifer and John Sutton, parents of Alex Sutton; Line Worker Class Co-instructor, Derek Maki.

Rincon and Maki also serve as lineworkers for GLE.

Three Directors Elected Great Lakes Energy Cooperative Board of Directors Election Results Summary District 6 (Mason and Lake counties): District 6—Robert Kran

District 8—Howard Bowersox

District 9—John LaForge

I

ncumbents Robert Kran of Free Soil and John LaForge of Delton were re-elected, and Howard Bowersox of Stanwood was elected by Great Lakes Energy members in their district to three-year terms on the electric cooperative’s board of directors.

All three candidates faced no challengers in their district. Kran owns a dairy farm. Bowersox and LaForge are both retired.

Great Lakes Energy members in voting districts 6, 8, and 9 received their mail-in ballot in the July/August issue of Michigan Country Lines magazine. Voters had to return their ballots to a private CPA firm by Aug. 15 and winners were announced Aug. 21 at the cooperative’s annual business meeting in Boyne City.

Robert Kran, Free Soil – Winner. . . . . . . . . . 364 District 8 (Clare, Mecosta, Newaygo, and Osceola counties): Howard Bowersox, Stanwood – Winner. . . . 207 District 9 (Allegan, Barry, Kent, Montcalm, and Ottawa counties): John LaForge, Delton – Winner. . . . . . . . . . 124

Thank you to all the Great Lakes Energy members who participated in this year’s election.

Visit gtlakes.com/board-of-directors for more information on GLE’s board elections.

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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

MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES

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Energy Assistance For Income Qualified Residents

W

e know utility bills can easily pile up for folks with limited incomes. The Energy Optimization program is here to help!

If your household meets the income eligibility guidelines, you could receive FREE energy-saving products and services through Energy Optimization’s Home Energy Baseload Program. Qualified residents can obtain assistance to improve the energy performance of their homes— which will help reduce electricity use and save money on utility bills.

Energy-saving Devices And Installation One of our trained, professional contractors can visit your home to leave behind or install a variety of energy efficiency devices. You will receive information on how to get the

most out of your new gadgets, as well as tips for making simple changes to save energy at home.

Free Items Available Through The Program Include: • • • • •

LED bulbs LED night lights Smart power strip Low-flow showerhead Faucet aerators

Refrigerator Evaluation And Replacement Is your refrigerator at least 10 years old? An Energy Optimization program representative can visit your home to evaluate your refrigerator. If it is determined to be highly inefficient, you could receive a new replacement at no cost.

A HELPFUL

Eligibility Requirements To qualify for the Home Energy Baseload Program, your household must meet the following income guidelines. Gross annual income is the combined total income of all household members, before taxes.

Family Size Gross Annual Income 1 $24,980 2 $33,820 3 $42,660 4 $51,500

Note: For families/households with more than 8 persons, add $8,640 for each additional person.

To find out if you qualify for Energy Optimization programs or to learn more, call 877-296-4319 or visit michigan-energy.org.

BOOST ENERGY ASSISTANCE

We know it can be difficult to keep up with energy costs. The Home Energy Baseload Program may provide income-eligible households with the following: ▪ In-home equipment evaluations ▪ Refrigerator replacements ▪ Energy-saving devices

CONTACT US TODAY FOR PROGRAM ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION.

MICHIGAN-ENERGY.ORG | 877.296.4319

Energy Optimization programs and incentives are applicable to Michigan electric service locations only.

Other restrictions may apply. For a complete list of participating utilities, visit michigan-energy.org.

5 $60,340 6 $69,180 7 $78,020 8 $86,860

GLE Photo Contest

Most Votes On Facebook!

1

2

3 4

5

Sunrise/Sunset 1. Humming Sunset—Lynn Shaw, East Jordan 2. Reflection—Stacey Buchinger, Vanderbilt 3. Pure Michigan Sunrise on Manistee Lake in Kalkaska—Deb Claycomb, Kalkaska 4. Reflection of the Day—Sheila Melke, Charlevoix 5. Sunset Sail—Janet Zilka, Carp Lake 6. Sunset on the River—Sharron Hemme, Petoskey

6

Submit Your “Ugly Christmas Sweaters” Photos!

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

Enter to win a

$200

energy bill credit!

Our September contest theme is Ugly Christmas Sweaters. Photos can be submitted by September 20 to be featured in the November/December issue.

How To Enter:

Visit Facebook.com/greatlakesenergy and click “Photo Contest” from the menu tabs.

Not on Facebook? You can also enter the contest at gtlakes.com/photocontest. Make sure to vote and encourage others to vote for you, too.

The photo receiving the most votes from our online and Facebook contest will be printed in an issue of Michigan Country Lines along with some of our other favorites. All photos printed in the magazine in 2019 will be entered to win a $200 bill credit in December 2019.

MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES

9

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

11

C

ircling The Wagons For Special Needs

By James A. Curtis

W hile Nancy Supran grew up in Chicago with a love of horses, nature, and outdoors, she had no idea her family had a farm in Free Soil, Michigan, since the 1930s. Originally her great-grandparents’ farm, it was long abandoned until a stranger showed interest in buying the property. That sparked Nancy’s family to build a house on the farm, and for her father to retire there in 1987. Nancy, a music teacher and choir director, instantly felt a pull to make it something extraordinary.

“I always thought about turning it into a children’s farm, but never did,” said Supran.

In 1993, Nancy and her parents were involved in a horrible car accident, leaving Nancy as the sole survivor of the crash, and with severe injuries of her own.

“I wondered why God left me to live,” said Supran, “and I knew there was a purpose.”

In 1995, Nancy began building Circle Rocking “S” Children’s Farm in Free Soil, a 501c(3) non-profit organization dedicated to providing touch therapy and recreation for people with disabilities. The farm’s programs are free for people with special needs of all ages by appointment and are funded entirely through private donations.

Now, more than 20 years later, the organization’s programs impact the lives of more than 1,000 individuals every

12 SEPTEMBER 2019

Kendra Lewis, Aurora Palcowski and Odin Palcowski enjoy some time with Circle Rocking “S” Farm’s chickens.

year from all over Western Michigan and beyond. The 40-acre farm—operated completely by volunteers and donations—features a working garden, sheep, rabbits, chickens, and year-round programming and events which has earned recognition from Ludington and Scottville Chamber’s community service awards, and the state of Michigan’s “Special Tribute Award.”

As a professional music teacher and choir director, Supran leads the music therapy program and children’s farm choir, which practices weekly and performs at churches, fairs, and nursing homes.

“The music therapy program is a great way to enhance motor and cognitive skills, and have a lot of fun,” said Supran. “For many, it’s the only opportunity they’ll have to perform, and the people they perform for really love hearing them.”

Another program is the weekly farm day and 4-H programs, where participants learn about farm life, being responsible caregivers, and where food comes from. Participants clean, feed, and groom the animals, weed and water the garden, and watch it grow, and harvest their produce for farm-to-table meals.

Kendra Lewis and her mother, Michelle Frostic, of Bear Lake, visit the farm each week and remark how important the farm is for Kendra.

“This program means a lot to me because it means a lot to my daughter and the disabled people who come here,” said Frostic. “If it wasn’t for Nancy, I don’t think my daughter would have come out of her shell that much. I’ve seen a lot of changes. She’s talking and participating more, and helping out in the community.”

Kendra agrees. “I am autistic and have an emotional disability as well. It helps me rehabilitate myself with emotions. I focus on the animals and not anything else.

It just helps me with focus, so when I’m doing something physically it helps. So, I’m learning as well as doing. It’s a great place and Nancy is a load of fun!”

In addition to weekly programming, the farm welcomes school and group tours, holds fun events like the annual special needs Easter egg hunt, Halloween hayride and pot luck, and other events open to the public, like sheep shearing, barn dance and potluck, and the Blessing of the Animals—its most popular event.

“Every September we hold our Blessing of the Animals in the tradition of St. Francis of Assisi,” said Supran. “We can have as many as 300 animals every year who are individually blessed. We’d love to welcome even more, and it’s completely free for all to participate.”

This year, the Blessing of the Animals will be held on Sunday, September 15. The event begins at 1:30 p.m., rain or shine, and features farm Olympics, animal costume

contests, pet talents, and more. Animals of all sizes are welcomed to be blessed, from horses to parakeets. The event also has a silent auction with items donated by local businesses to support the farm. In addition, an anonymous community donor has pledged to match donations to Circle Rocking “S” up to $1,500 through the month of September.

“We rely on the support of donations from our community for all programs and animal maintenance,” said Supran.

“We are grateful for all of our community supporters.”

Supran is also grateful for the support of its electric cooperative, Great Lakes Energy, whose People Fund grant recently helped pave program areas, as well as provide paint and repairs for the barn.

“Great Lakes has been fantastic,” said Supran. “From the People Fund grants to providing their electrical display at our events, to their electrical service.”

Supran’s deep appreciation for her community’s support of the farm stems from the difference it makes for families they serve—families like Michelle and Kendra.

“The farm means a lot to the community,” said Frostic.

“There’s not a lot of places to bring kids like Kendra, and I’m grateful the farm is here.”

For more information on Circle Rocking “S” Children’s Farm, or to help support their mission by taking advantage of their matching grant opportunity, visit circlerockingsfarm.org. To learn about more Great Lakes Energy members making a difference in the community, visit gtlakes.com/yourpower.

“If it wasn’t for Nancy, I don’t think my daughter would have come out of her shell that much. I’ve seen a lot of changes.

She’s talking and participating more, and helping out in the community.”

—Michelle Frostic Left to right: Michelle Frostic, Kendra Lewis, Odin Palcowski, Nancy Supran (president of Circle Rocking S), Aurora Palcowski, Amanda Palcowski, and Luke Lewis.

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.

14 SEPTEMBER 2019

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

HISTORIC FARM HONORED

C

ongratulations to Valentine and Elizabeth Stein whose farm in Osceola County received state centennial farm certification.

Great Lakes Energy is a sponsor of the Michigan Centennial Farm Program that honors Great Lakes Energy members and other Michigan residents whose farms have been owned and operated by the same family for 100 years. Once a farm is certified through the program, the owners receive a certificate as well as a display marker for their farm.

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

Free Energy Seminars Great Lakes Energy members can attend a free energy seminar this fall at our Boyne and Newaygo offices.

Local heating and cooling companies and Great Lakes Energy staff are on hand to answer questions related to heat pumps. Learn about home heating and cooling options with geothermal and air-source heat pumps and energy optimization (EO) programs that offer incentives to help co-op members save energy.

Door prizes will be awarded. Winners will receive energy saving gifts.

Register Now And Attend Either Session: Saturday, Oct. 5, at the GLE Boyne City office Saturday, Oct. 12, at the GLE Newaygo office Both seminars will be from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Space is limited, so please register by visiting gtlakes.com or calling 1-888-485-2537, ext. 8957

16 SEPTEMBER 2019

Notice to Members of Great Lakes Energy Cooperative Case No. U-16593 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 in 2018.

Under this requirement, Great Lakes Energy Cooperative submits an annual report to the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) regarding its Renewable Energy Plan. In 2018, Great Lakes acquired a total of 231,103 renewable energy credits (53,196 credits from Harvest Wind Farm, LLC, 18,012 credits from Thunder Bay—Four Mile, 159,085 credits from Deerfield Wind Farm and 810 credits from Spartan Solar) and 1,689 incentive credits from Thunder Bay— Four Mile and 1,733 incentive credits from Spartan Solar. All credit transfers were directed through Great Lakes’ 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 any of the cooperative’s offices.

SPOTLIGHT ON

co-op entrepreneurs SUBMIT A NOMINATION TODAY!

Public Act 295: The Clean Renewable and Efficient Energy Act 2018 Annual Energy Waste Reduction Report Great Lakes Energy Cooperative MPSC Case Number U-18275 During 2018, Great Lakes Energy Cooperative administered its Energy Waste Reduction (EWR) plan through the Michigan Electric Cooperative Collaborative in order to comply with PA-295. Previously, Great Lakes, through the Collaborative, submitted its EWR plan with the MPSC. This EWR plan was approved by the MPSC. The Collaborative implemented the EWR Plan during 2018.

Overall, Great Lakes achieved a goal at approximately 105% savings, The full report can be obtained at your cooperative’s headquarters.

Michigan Country Lines is on the hunt for entrepreneurial movers and shakers to showcase in our March 2020 magazine. We know co-op members are awesome and there is no shortage of

pioneers, innovators and leaders in our service territory. Featured entrepreneurial endeavors can be small start-ups, large operations or anything in between.

If you know a friend, neighbor or coworker we should consider, nominate them by December 31 at countrylines.com.

Self-nominations are accepted.

Guess this photo and enter to win a

$50

energy bill credit!

5 1 2 7

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

6

3

4

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!

1

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

2

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

3

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

4

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

5

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

6

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

7

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

gtlakes.com facebook.com/greatlakesenergy

Your Co-op. Your Board.

***new director photo to come august 21

Looking out for you.

Front L to R: John LaForge, Howard Bowersox, Mark Carson, and Dale Farrier. Back L to R: Robert Kran, Paul Schemanski, Ric Evans, Paul Byl, and Larry Moshor

Directors work for you and you alone and live in the communities they represent.

This is the cooperative difference.