COUNTRY LINES
Not hearing is believing.
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Geothermal is the only renewable that provides reliable operation 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.
YOUR LOCAL WATERFURNACE DEALERS
Allendale Allendale Htg & Clg (800)327-1937 allendaleheating.com
Berrien Springs
Waterfurnace Michiana (269)473-5667 gogreenmichgeo thermal.com
Big Rapids
Stratz Htg & Clg, Inc. (231)796-3717 stratzgeocomfort.com
Clifford Orton Refrig & Htg (989)761-7691 sanduskygeothermal.com
Filion/Bad Axe Air-O-Dynamic Htg. & Clg. (989)582-0137
Hart Adams Htg & Clg (231)873-2665 adamsheating cooling.com
Indian River M&M Plmb & Htg (231)238-7201 mm-plumbing.com
Lansing Candor Mechanical (517) 920-0890 candormechanical.com
Lowell Arctic Inc. Htg. & Clg. (616) 897-4213 heatingcoolingonline.com
Manistique Hoholik Enterprises (906) 341-5065 hoholikenterprises.com
Marinette, WI
GPS Htg. & Clg (715) 732-2111 gpsheatingcooling.com
Michigan Center Comfort 1/Air Serv of Southern Michigan (517) 764-1500 airserv.com/southernmichigan/
Mt Pleasant
Walton Htg & Clg (989)772-4822 waltonheating.com
Muskegon Adams Htg & Clg (231)873-2665 adamsheatingcooling.com
Negaunee J-Goods Plmb. & Htg. (906)869-2522 jgoodsplumbingand heating.com
Portland ESI Htg & Clg (517)647-6906 esiheating.com
Sunfield Mark Woodman Plmb & Htg (517)886-1138 mwphonline.com
Traverse City
D&W Mechanical (231)941-1251 dwmechanical.com
Geofurnace Htg & Clg (231)943-1000 geofurnace.com
CO-OP REBATE INCENTIVES
Alger Delta Electric: up to $2,000
Cherryland Electric: up to $2,500
Cloverland: up to $6,275
Great Lakes Energy: up to $5,000
Homeworks/Tri-County Electric: up to $4,750
Presque Isle Electric & Gas Co-op: up to $4,750
Thumb Electric: up to $2,000
Michigan’s Electric Cooperatives
XECUTIVE EDITOR: Casey Clark
EDITOR: Christine Dorr
GRAPHIC DESIGNER: Karreen Bird
RECIPE EDITOR: Christin Russman
COPY EDITOR: Yvette Pecha
CONTRIBUTING EDITOR: Emily Haines Lloyd
PUBLISHER: Michigan Electric Cooperative Association
Michigan Country Lines, USPS-591-710, is published monthly, except August and December, with periodicals postage paid at Lansing, Mich., and additional offices. It is the official publication of the Michigan Electric Cooperative Association, 201 Townsend St., Suite 900, Lansing, MI 48933.
Subscriptions are authorized for members of Alger Delta, Cherryland, Great Lakes, HomeWorks Tri-County, Midwest Energy & Communications, Ontonagon, Presque Isle, and Thumb electric cooperatives by their boards of directors.
Postmaster: Send all UAA to CFS.
Association Officers: Tom Sobeck, Presque Isle Electric & Gas Co-op, chairman; Gabe Schneider, Cherryland Electric Cooperative, vice chairman; Chris O’Neill, HomeWorks TriCounty Cooperative, secretary-treasurer; Craig Borr, president and CEO.
CONTACT US/LETTERS TO EDITOR: Michigan Country Lines
201 Townsend St., Suite 900 Lansing, MI 48933
248-534-7358 editor@countrylines.com
CHANGE OF ADDRESS: Please notify your electric cooperative. See page 4 for contact information.
The appearance of advertising does not constitute an endorsement of the products or services advertised.
6
10 14
6 PIONEERING ELECTRIC
OFF-ROAD
INNOVATION
New Upper Peninsula EV trail brings together nature, sightseeing, and sustainable adventure.
10 MI CO-OP KITCHEN
Casseroles: Comforting meals the whole family will love.
14 BEE-HIND THE SCENES AT HILBERT’S HONEY CO.
Industrious beekeepers nurture thriving family business.
18 GUEST COLUMN
The Ford Confusion: How an MEC member met a U.S. first lady—without realizing it.
MI Co-op Community
To enter contests, submit reader content & more, visit countrylines.com/community
Recipe Contest
See details on page 10. Soups & Stews due Nov. 1 and Sauces & Marinades due Dec. 1. Win a $100 bill credit!
Guest Column
Share your fondest memories and stories. Win $200 for stories published. Visit countrylines.com/community to submit. Win $200 for stories published!
Mystery Photo
See details on page 18. Win a $100 bill credit!
cherrylandelectric.coop
/cherrylandelectriccoop
@cherrylandec
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Gabe Schneider, President 517-449-6453
gschneider@cherrylandelectric.coop
Valarie Handy, Senior Vice President 231-392-4705
vhandy@cherrylandelectric.coop
Melinda Lautner, Secretary 231-947-2509
mlautner@cherrylandelectric.coop
Tom Van Pelt, Treasurer 231-386-5234
tvanpelt@cherrylandelectric.coop
David Schweitzer, Director 231-883-5860
dschweitzer@cherrylandelectric.coop
Terry Lautner, Director 231-883-6455
tlautner@cherrylandelectric.coop
Dean Adams, Director 231-642-0014
dadams@cherrylandelectric.coop
CEO: Rachel Johnson
CO-OP EDITORS:
Courtney Doyle: cdoyle@cherrylandelectric.coop
Bailey Watson: bwatson@cherrylandelectric.coop
OFFICE HOURS
Monday–Friday 7:30 a.m.–4:00 p.m. TELEPHONE NUMBERS
231-486-9200 or 1-800-442-8616 (Mich.)
ADDRESS
P.O. Box 298, Grawn, MI 49637
PAY STATION
Cherryland Electric Cooperative office 5930 U.S. 31 South, Grawn MI, 49637
Cherryland Electric Cooperative is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
CO-OP NEWS
Cherryland Cares Awards $15,230 to Six Nonprofits
At its second-quarter board meeting, the Cherryland Cares board awarded grants to six local nonprofit organizations: Child & Family Services of Northwest Michigan, Habitat for Humanity Grand Traverse Region, Healing Through Hope, Northwest Michigan Supportive Housing, Remain In Touch, and SEEDS Ecology & Education Centers.
In 2024, Cherryland Cares has awarded a total of $30,230 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 looking to apply for our next grant cycle, please call Shannon Beery at 231-486-9218 or email her at sbeery@cherrylandelectric.coop.
Co-op Offers Suite of Solar Programs for Members
Interested in going solar? Cherryland offers a suite of solar programs for those who want to support renewable energy with their cooperative. The suite includes community solar, net metering, and buy-all/sell-all programs. Whether you want to cover your annual energy costs or use the clean energy you generate, there is a solar program for everyone!
To learn more, visit our website at cherrylandelectric.coop/renewableenergy-programs.
Cherryland Office Hours
Beginning Sept. 3, the Cherryland office will resume traditional office hours of Monday–Friday from 7:30 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
Healing Through Hope
Remain In Touch
ILeading the Way to 100% Carbon-free by 2030
By Rachel Johnson, Cherryland CEO
bet you remember your child’s first step. Or your first home. Maybe your first kiss? I love firsts. I still remember my first day at Cherryland back in 2013 and the first project I worked on—the launch of the community solar project that sits in front of our office. If you talk to our oldest Cherryland members, many of them still remember the first time the lights came on at their family farm as we first brought electricity to rural northern Michigan.
From Michigan’s first community solar project to the first commercial-scale wind farm in the state, Michigan’s electric cooperatives have a long history of providing industry-leading solutions for rural communities. Those firsts add up and, today, Cherryland powers our members with about 20% renewable energy and over 60% carbon-free energy. We’ve done this while maintaining our industry-leading electric reliability and keeping our rates 10-15% lower than neighboring utilities serving in rural areas. For decades, Cherryland has shown that we can deliver on our commitment to reliable, affordable power supply solutions while modernizing our portfolio to mitigate environmental impact.
I am incredibly proud of our past leadership and excited to announce
another big first for the cooperative. With our recent commitment to the restart of the Palisades Power Plant in southwest Michigan and our continued development of utility-scale renewable projects, we will deliver 100% carbonfree energy to our members by 2030. This represents a significant milestone for our cooperative and for the rural communities we serve.
With this announcement, we are on track to meet and exceed Michigan’s new clean energy standards and to do so faster and more reliably than anyone else.
With this announcement, we are on track to meet and exceed Michigan’s new clean energy standards and to do so faster and more reliably than anyone else. This is due, in large part, to our partnership with Wolverine Power Cooperative. Their bold, strategic vision for rural Michigan power supply and their doggedness in building a resilient, industry-leading power supply portfolio have set us up for success in a very challenging time.
The conversations regarding power supply today tend to be very divisive
and highly partisan. You will frequently find me lamenting heavy-handed regulatory and legislative pressures in our industry that make it hard to keep the lights on and keep bills affordable. While those challenges persist, I continue to be very optimistic about the future of your electric cooperative.
We’ve made it nearly 90 years by staying true to our cooperative value system, and it has paid off in big ways for our members. Our path to 100% carbon-free energy by 2030 is more than just a first—it is a legacy of innovation and tenacity, driven by our unique cooperative business model. Built by the community, for the community, and led by the community. Our cooperatives ensure that every voice is heard and every decision benefits us all.
Our concern for the state’s carbon footprint and focus on maintaining a dependable, affordable power supply demonstrates that Michigan’s electric cooperatives not only light the way— they lead it.
To hear more, listen to the Co-op Energy Talk Podcast
Nature and Technology in Harmony
This first-of-its-kind trail system offers a unique way to traverse the UP wilderness, guiding you through winding wooded trails, past breathtaking waterfalls, and into the heart of the Porcupine Mountains. The zero-emissions electric ORVs take the adventure to another level, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the sounds, sights, and smells of nature without the noise of traditional engines.
Sun-Powered Fun
The trail features four solar-powered charging stations along a scenic 95-mile loop. These stations are strategically placed near towns, allowing you to explore local attractions and eateries while your vehicle recharges. Here’s a glimpse into each location:
• Ontonagon: The northernmost charging station is in downtown Ontonagon on US-45. This charming town offers dining, shopping, and picturesque streets. For a taste of the UP’s best pasties, Syl’s Cafe is a mustvisit. At Hamilton’s North Coast Adventures, you can rent a new Polaris RANGER XP ORV and join their self-guided EV off-road tour. Accommodations, including campsites and cottages, are available.
Nature, Sightseeing, and
Sustainable Adventure
A New Upper Peninsula EV Trail Brings Together
s a rider, there’s nothing quite like the thrill of exploring Michigan’s Western Upper Peninsula on a groundbreaking electric vehicle (EV) trail. Launched in June, this innovative trail system is a result of the collaboration between Polaris Inc. and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), introducing an electric off-road vehicle (ORV) charging network in Ontonagon County. This marks the dawn of a new era in ecofriendly exploration.
• Greenland: Located at the Adventure Mining Company, this station offers a historic copper mine tour with three types of underground experiences. You’ll be transported by a historic Swiss military vehicle through steep hills to the mine entrance. Inside, your hard hat’s light will reveal sparkling copper veins in the rocky walls. The Prospector’s Tour, suitable for all ages, is a 90-minute journey requiring less than a mile of walking.
• White Pine: Near the entrance of Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park, this station is just 14 miles from the mesmerizing Lake of the Clouds. Nearby, the Konteka Black Bear Resort offers dining, bowling, and the chance to view wild bears.
• Bergland: The southernmost station is in Bergland, located along M-28 on the north shore of Lake Gogebic, the largest natural inland lake in the UP. While charging, you can cross the street to Antonio’s Restaurant & Pizzeria for ice cream and hearty American classics.
Partners and Funding
The development of this innovative infrastructure was made possible by a $700,000 Mobility Public-Private Partnership & Programming (MP4)
Grant from the Michigan Office of Future Mobility and Electrification. This grant program aims to position Michigan as a leader in outdoor recreation innovation, vehicle technology, and sustainability.
Charlie Tyson, MEDC Technology Activation Manager, stated, “Supporting innovative companies such as Polaris that modernize and enhance outdoor recreation vehicles and experiences is an important investment in our state’s economic growth and the preservation and enjoyment of our natural landscapes. This program will help to ensure a sustainable future for our state’s outdoor recreation industry.”
Polaris EVs are available to rent at Hamilton’s North Coast Adventure Campground & Rentals, 906-884-3005, hamiltonsnorthcoast.com
Exploring Michigan’s Upper Peninsula on an electric ORV trail is not just an adventure—it’s a step into the future of sustainable outdoor recreation. Whether you’re navigating through the woods, visiting historical sites, or simply soaking in the stunning landscapes, this trail system offers an unparalleled experience for every rider. Scan the QR code to watch a video of Cassondra’s adventure on an EV.
Cassondra Scott is a content creator, writer, and social media influencer at Cassondra Wanders——sharing small businesses and sights to see all over the state of Michigan.
CHERRYLAND’S 86TH ANNUAL MEETING!
672 members attended
900 pounds of protein cooked for the taco buffet
530 scoops of ice cream served
127 bucket truck rides enjoyed
Scan the QR Code to view more photos.
THE POWER GRID MUST ADAPT
To Support A Clean Energy Future
power plant generates electricity
THIS IS HOW ELECTRICITY GETS TO YOUR HOME
transmission lines carry electricity long distances
transformer steps up voltage for transmission
distribution lines carry electricity to houses
neighborhood transformer steps down voltage
transformers on poles step down electricity before it enters your home
So, how do we prepare the grid to integrate large-scale renewable energy and ensure reliable electricity to your home?
WE NEED STORAGE
We could store traditional fossil fuels. Obviously, we can’t store weather, but what about electricity?
The grid operates in real time
The power grid operates in real time, supplying more electricity when demand surges and scaling back when demand decreases.
Renewable energy is intermittent
Renewable energy sources depend on weather conditions. Can we store it? Not effectively with today's technology.
Storage technology must improve
Present state-of-the-art battery technology lasts only two hours. We need storage technology to evolve before renewables can provide reliable electricity to all.
WE NEED MORE TRANSMISSION LINES
We used to move fuel to plants. Now we need to move plants to the weather—and build lines to carry the energy to end-consumers.
PRESENT
Most electricity today doesn’t travel very far because, historically, power plants were built close to cities with high electricity demand.
FUTURE
Electricity will need to travel farther because clean energy sources are often situated in remote locations, like wind in the plains and sun in the southwest. We need to build more transmission lines to transport clean energy farther to homes and businesses.
Did you know?
By the 2030s, we need to build so many new transmission lines that, if strung end to end, they would reach the moon!
So, what do we do right now?
We are collaborating with our power supplier, statewide association, and fellow electric cooperatives in Michigan to advance innovative ideas. One of those ideas is to install a safe underwater transmission line connecting Michigan to Wisconsin. Think of it as a regional superhighway delivering reliable, clean, affordable, and controllable energy to the entire upper Midwest. Learn more at wolverinepowercooperative.com/lake-michigan-connector.
Source: https://www.gatesnotes.com/Transmission
CASSEROLES
Comforting meals the whole family will love.
Recipe Contest
Win a $100 energy bill credit!
Soups & Stews due Nov. 1; Sauces & Marinades due Dec. 1
Submit your favorite recipe for a chance to win a $100 bill credit and have your recipe featured in Country Lines with a photo and a video. Submit your recipe at micoopkitchen.com , or send it via email (include your full name and co-op) to recipes@countrylines.com
WINNING RECIPE!
HEAVENLY CHICKEN
CASSEROLE
Janet Cather, Midwest Energy & Communications
1 tablespoon olive oil
3–4 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (sliced in half, vertically)
¼ –½ teaspoon salt
¼ –½ teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon cornstarch
¾ cup chicken broth, divided
1 teaspoon minced garlic
1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 tablespoon fresh)
¼ –½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
½ cup heavy cream
½ cup chopped sundried tomatoes
¼ –½ cup freshly grated Asiago cheese
1 teaspoon dried basil flakes
Preheat oven to 375 F. In a large skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and season generously with salt/pepper. Sear the chicken on each side for 4–5 minutes. Transfer the chicken to a casserole dish sprayed with oil. In a small container, add the cornstarch and 2 tablespoons of chicken broth; shake to combine. Return the skillet to medium heat. Add a bit of oil if needed. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute, stirring. Add the thyme, red pepper flakes, remaining chicken broth, cornstarch/ chicken broth mixture, and heavy cream. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring often. Stir in the sundried tomatoes and Asiago cheese. Spoon the sauce over the chicken in the casserole dish. Sprinkle with basil flakes. Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until the chicken is no longer pink. Let set for 5 minutes before serving.
Watch a video of this month’s winning recipe at micoopkitchen.com/recipe_ type/videos/
PASTRY-FREE SPANAKOPITA QUICHE
Emily Binard, Great Lakes Energy
2–3 tablespoons vegetable oil, or vegetable oil spray
2 cups (32 ounces) shredded hash brown potatoes, thawed
½ teaspoon salt, divided
½ teaspoon black pepper, divided
6 large eggs
½ –¾ cup heavy cream
½ cup diced red onion
¾ cup chopped spinach (if frozen, drain as much water out as possible)
1 cup crumbled feta cheese
½ cup white wine vinegar, divided
Preheat oven to 375 F. On a stovetop, add a 12-inch oven-safe frying pan and coat with oil. Bring to medium heat. Add the shredded potatoes and press them in an even layer across the bottom of the pan and up around the
side edges. Sprinkle with ¼ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon black pepper. Keep over medium to medium-low heat until the edges just start to brown. While the potatoes cook, crack the eggs into a large mixing bowl and add the heavy cream. Beat until smooth. Add the onion, spinach, remaining ¼ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon black pepper, and feta cheese, along with ¼ cup of the vinegar. Mix until thoroughly combined. When the potatoes are ready, starting to brown at the edges, pour the egg mixture over the potatoes to fill the pan. Transfer the skillet into the oven and bake for 25–35 minutes, until the top is browned and the eggs are fully set. Sprinkle the remaining ¼ cup vinegar over the top before serving. Enjoy!
CHICKEN BROCCOLI RICE CASSEROLE
Mary England, HomeWorks Tri-County
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 small onion, chopped
8 ounces fresh mushrooms, sliced
3 tablespoons flour
1 cup chicken broth
½ teaspoon poultry seasoning
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ cup Greek yogurt or sour cream
½ cup mayonnaise
2 heads (about 4 cups) broccoli, steamed and cooled (can also use frozen, thawed)
2 cups cooked, chopped chicken
1 (5.6-ounce) package chickenflavored rice mix, prepared per package directions
1 (8-ounce) block sharp cheddar cheese, shredded, divided
½ cup Italian-flavored breadcrumbs for topping
Preheat oven to 350 F. In a large skillet, add the olive oil over medium heat; sauté the onion until tender. Add the mushrooms and cook until just lightly browned. Sprinkle with flour and cook 1–2 minutes, stirring. Add the chicken broth, poultry seasoning, salt, and black pepper; simmer 2 minutes. Add the Greek yogurt (or sour cream) and mayonnaise; stir until well combined. Add the broccoli and chicken; cook 2–3 minutes. Grease a 9x13 casserole dish. Add prepared rice to the casserole dish. Spread evenly, then cover with half of the grated cheese. Pour the broccoli/ chicken mixture over the rice. Spread evenly and cover with remaining half of cheese. Sprinkle with breadcrumbs. Bake for 25–30 minutes, until the mixture is bubbly and the top is lightly browned. Let stand 10 minutes, then serve. Enjoy!
EASY PIZZA CASSEROLE
Madalyn Crawford, Great Lakes Energy
1 (1-pound box) penne pasta (any kind works; this is our fave!)
3 cups pasta sauce
3 cups water
1 cup pepperoni
2½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• Optional: any other favorite pizza toppings of choice
Preheat oven to 350 F. Dump box of pasta into a 9x13 casserole dish. Add the pasta sauce and water and mix all ingredients together in the casserole dish. Layer the pepperoni and any other toppings of choice on top of the pasta/ sauce mixture. Cover and bake for 25 minutes. Uncover and add mozzarella cheese to the top and more toppings if desired. Put back in oven, uncovered, for 10 to 15 minutes or until cheese is melted. Serve hot and enjoy!
The Alpaca Farm Next Door
By Bailey Watson
Nestled at the end of a quiet neighborhood in Traverse City, you’ll meet some unlikely neighbors. Cherryland members Bob and Becky Sanford, along with their 25 alpacas and one llama, have called Rainbow Valley Family Farm home for almost six years. Those six years have certainly been an adventure for the Sanfords, but their joy and connection with the animals make it clear there is nowhere else they would rather be.
In the back of their minds, Bob and Becky had always dreamed of owning a farm. When the farm they drove by every day, just down the road from their family home, came on the market in 2018, it seemed like a sign. After purchasing the farmhouse, along with many discussions, they agreed an alpaca farm would be the perfect fit for them. By the fall of 2019, their “piece of
paradise” gained nine new residents— eight alpacas and one llama.
The farm started with a steep learning curve, but Becky and Bob rose to the challenge and continually educated themselves to care for the animals in the best way possible. From birthing classes to reading up on possible infections, Becky is always learning something new. Thankfully, the alpacafarming community is very welcoming. Crystal Lake Alpaca Farm in Frankfort helped Bob and Becky get started, including selling them a few alpacas to start their herd. When they heard about a local llama who had recently lost her mate, there was no question on what to do next. Rainbow the llama joined the pack and has been a dutiful protector and mother figure to the now 25 alpacas that call Rainbow Valley Family Farm home.
Becky or Bob are often first to greet guests as they arrive at the farm, before going up to the fences, visiting the store, or exploring the farm with a tour. They prefer to keep the tour groups small so the tours can be highly personalized. Becky and Bob know which alpacas are the best to visit with and feed. “There are certain ones who are better with people; there are certain ones who can be impulsive or pushy. Some I can have around kids and feel comfortable; others we separate because they get too excited around food,” Becky explains. The Sanfords spend their days with the animals and genuinely know the personality of each one. Becky said, “We want to honor them for who they are.” She continues, “We want people to see them in as natural of a state as they can.”
The Sanfords have worked hard to make the tour a true experience for all who visit. The farm has recently become Autism Certified, so their regular tour guides are well-versed in interacting with adults and kids of all abilities. “I just want people to come experience the alpaca world. It’s just so peaceful and calm. I think everyone gets something from the animals,” said Becky. As a former teacher, Becky is always thrilled to welcome school groups to the farm and see the kids from Silver Lake Elementary watch the alpacas from their playground.
Once guests have met all the alpacas and Rainbow the llama and said hello to the chickens or barn cats, they can stop in the gift shop before leaving. Becky has created a beautiful gift shop full of heart with alpaca products and local treasures. All the yarn in the shop comes from the alpacas on their farm.
In fact, every year, a group of men from Montana make their way through the state shearing alpaca at every stop. Then, the fiber goes off to a mill, where it is woven into yarn and returned to the farm almost a year later. This yarn is sold at the gift shop, but it is also used by a group of local knitters to create gloves, scarves, and hats. Every item made from the
“I just want people to come experience the alpaca world. It’s just so peaceful and calm. I think everyone gets something from the animals.”
fiber of the alpacas at Rainbow Valley is labeled with which alpaca’s fiber it came from. Visitors can then meet the animal who grew the fibers that created the surely treasured item they get to take home. While visitors can also find some local jewelry and other pieces featuring alpacas, the yarn and wool clothing pieces stand out among the rest, since alpaca fiber is
hypoallergenic, moisture wicking, much warmer and softer than sheep’s wool.
Bob and Becky enjoy their life on the farm and love caring for all their animals. While the farm life is not without its share of heartbreak, “It’s been a journey of love. Ups and downs, we keep moving forward, as they say, the journey is what it’s all about,” said Bob. Anyone who visits can see the joy on their faces and passion in their hearts when they are with their animals. Bob and Becky continue to look forward and are excited for the future of their neighborhood farm.
If you want to visit or support Rainbow Valley Family Farm, you can schedule a tour (May–August) Wednesday through Saturday; (September & October) Friday and Saturday 11 a.m.–4 p.m. Or visit their store on their website, rainbowvalleyfamilyfarms.com. They also invite you to join them in celebrating National Alpaca Farm Day on Sept. 28 at their open house!
Bee-hind the Scenes at Hilbert’s Honey Co.
By Emily Haines Lloyd
If you’ve ever watched footage of a beehive on National Geographic or The Discovery Channel, you’ve seen the activity, coordination, and effort that goes into the production of honey.
That same level of commitment and industriousness of the bees can be seen in the owners of Hilbert’s Honey Co. in Traverse City, Michigan. For over 130 years, these Cherryland Electric Cooperative members have cultivated a tradition of hard work and community, spanning four generations.
Today, Larry and Geana Hilbert, along with their son Keith (a fifth-generation beekeeper) and his wife Michele, continue this legacy through Hilbert’s Honey Co., a thriving honey farm that parallels the dedicated and cooperative nature of the bees they care for.
The Hive Mentality
Much like the electric cooperative principles themselves, the success of the colony relies on teamwork and
community. The Hilbert family epitomizes this spirit in their beekeeping endeavors.
“The hive mentality is all about working together,” says owner Larry Hilbert. “You never quit. You constantly reinvent yourself; once you overcome one challenge, a new one arises.”
This collaboration moves beyond the farm and into various communities. With 7,700 hives spread across farms in northern Michigan, the generosity and understanding of local farmers is indispensable. This cooperation ensures the bees can pollinate effectively while landowners benefit from increased crop yields.
Challenges and Resilience
“Farming can be a difficult, unpredictable way of life,” reflects Larry. “You need to be resilient and ready to face whatever comes your way.”
Whatever comes your way can include weather, seasonal issues, and other environmental problems—it can also include less likely obstacles such as black bears who are
more than happy to lumber through the crates, tip over a hive, and raid it for its delicious nectar.
So, maybe not exactly like other farming.
The Role of Electricity
While the bees power the hives, electricity plays a vital role in the Hilberts’ operations. From the tools used for extracting honey to the warming tanks used for bottling, any power outage can significantly disrupt the work.
“We know people downstate who seem to have power outages frequently,” said Larry. “But, you know, I look over my lifetime on the farm and I can only remember a few. We take our reliable power for granted.”
Balancing Big Business and Small-Town Charm
What’s not taken for granted is the sincere obligation the Hilberts feel toward their bees and the important work they do for both our natural and economic worlds. According to the USDA, bees pollinate approximately 75% of the fruits, nuts, and vegetables grown in the United States and are responsible for more than $15 billion in increased crop value each year.
While Hilbert Honey Co. is only a small part of that big business, they feel the same pressures of other farmers and beekeepers. However, they insist that in the end—it’s worth it.
“The work itself helps evaporate the stress,” Geana Hilbert says. “Going outside and working all day in nature is breathtaking. It’s a lifestyle— a true labor of love.”
Looking ahead, the Hilberts are dedicated to promoting their products, urging customers to stop by their on-site store, and continuing to share their passion for beekeeping and the sweet rewards it brings.
In every jar of Hilbert honey, you’ll find not only the nuanced flavors of northern Michigan, but the essence of teamwork, resilience, and community—a testament to the hardworking bees and the family who cares for them.
“Going outside and working all day in nature is breathtaking. It’s a lifestyle—a true labor of love.”
Your Board In Action
June 2024
• Following Cherryland’s 86th Annual Meeting and recent board elections, the board held its annual reorganization meeting. It elected board roles as follows:
- President: Gabe Schneider
- Vice President: Valarie Handy
- Secretary: Melinda Lautner
- Treasurer: Tom Van Pelt
• The board gave cooperative staff the approval to begin developing demand response programs. These are programs that incentivize members to move their electric usage off-peak by sharing cost savings. These programs will be entirely voluntary.
• The board of directors approved updates to Cherryland’s billing rules. Up-to-date billing rules can be found on the cooperative’s website.
July 2024
• Cherryland’s chief financial officer gave an update, sharing that the cooperative has positive net margins year-to-date. He credits diligent attention managing controllable costs and past rate changes, and he expects the cooperative will end the year in the black. Due to investments in our system and the rising cost of business, rate increases are still likely in the future.
• The co-op’s chief operating officer gave a construction update. The cooperative is meeting its goal of completing member-ordered construction projects within a three-week window.
• Cherryland’s Wolverine board members gave an update after a visit to the Palisades Nuclear Power Plant. They reported that it is well-maintained, the plant is well-staffed to restart, and the facility is on track to return to service.
Members of Cherryland Electric Cooperative
2023
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 2023. Under this requirement, Cherryland Electric Cooperative submits an annual report to the MPSC regarding its Renewable Energy Plan. In 2023, Cherryland acquired a total of 61,463 renewable energy credits. 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 on the cooperative’s website at www.cherrylandelectric.coop or by request at the cooperative’s office. 025166.000024 4884-7467-3361.1
Gabe Schneider
Valarie Handy
Melinda Lautner
Tom Van Pelt
Enter to win up to $200 off your energy bill!
Submit Your “Wreaths” Photos By Sept. 20!
Submit your best photo and encourage your friends to vote! The photo receiving the most votes in our Facebook contest will be printed in an issue of Country Lines, along with some of our other favorites. Our September theme is Wreaths! Photos can be submitted through Sept. 20 to be featured in our Nov./Dec. issue.
Enter Your Photos And Win A Bill Credit!
To enter the contest, visit cherrylandelectric.coop/photo-contest or visit facebook.com/cherrylandelectriccoop for a link to the current photo contest. Enter your picture, cast your vote, and encourage others to vote for you as well. If your photo is printed in Country Lines during 2024, you will be entered to win a credit of up to $200 on your December 2024 bill.
MOST VOTES
2. “Plates of love”—Julie Light
3. “Cozy evening by the fire”—Erin Edenburn
4. ”A quilt to keep my first responder safe and warm on shift”—Erin Scanlon
5. ”This is my grandmother’s work. Hand stitched by Dolores Houdek, 93 years old (pictured), from Northport, Michigan”—Joan Garvin
6. ”Late wife’s hanging wall quilt”—John Stalmack 1. “Bright and cheery baby quilt”—Pam Kearns
Mystery Photo
Win a $100 energy bill credit!
Where In Michigan Is This?
Identify the correct location of the photo above by Sept. 25 and be entered into a drawing to win a $100 electric bill credit. Enter your guess at countrylines.com/community
July/Aug. 2024
Winner! Our Mystery Photo winner is Robert Nelson, a Presque Isle Electric & Gas Co-op member who correctly identified the photo as the Ojibwa Chief Wawatam statue in Mackinaw City. Winners are announced in the following issues of Country Lines: January, March, May, July/ August, September, and November/December.
I The Ford Confusion
By J. Joseph Mapes, a Midwest Energy & Communications Cooperative member
grew up in Grand Rapids, Michigan, not far from my grandparents in Lowell. For almost three decades, my grandmother had a housekeeper named Helen Ford, who became close friends with her and my mother. I heard much about her, but we only personally met later in life. During that time, my grandfather, C. H. Runciman, had become good friends with a young man named Gerald R. Ford. He encouraged Ford to get into politics, and eventually, “Jerry” was elected to the U. S. Congress.
In Lowell, my grandfather was one of the founders of The Lowell Showboat, serving as the interlocutor from 1932 to 1958. He was responsible for obtaining talent for the shows and would have an opening night gathering in his yard, with headliners and dignitaries attending. Sometimes, the governor would attend, and Congressman Ford was always there on opening night for many years.
Sadly, in 1968, my grandfather passed away. Jerry Ford was in Mexico at the time and could not attend the funeral (as he had for my father in 1962). He did send a letter to my grandmother Gladys, saying, “I had no better friend than C. H., despite the difference in our ages.”
The opening night gatherings continued next door, overflowing into my grandmother’s yard. In July of 1974, however, something was different: Gerald R. Ford became vice president and vowed to attend as usual. One of the first things he did was visit my 83-year-old grandmother on her porch, and their photo was published in the Grand Rapids Press. I arrived shortly after Ford returned to the yard while my grandmother was speaking with two women on her porch. So I went up to see her and was introduced to “Mrs. Ford and her daughter Susan.” I immediately thought (logically?) that it was Mrs. Helen Ford since the two had been such longtime friends. After a few minutes, I looked toward the neighbor’s yard, where a large banner read, “Welcome Vice President and Mrs. Ford.” Then it clicked. I wasn’t chatting with Helen Ford; it was with Betty Ford and her daughter, Susan Ford! I’ve always wondered if anyone caught on. I sure didn’t admit it at the time.
About the Author: J. Joseph Mapes is a retired owner of Bank Street Bingo Hall and Bank Street Winter Market in Kalamazoo. He enjoys being outside grooming trails and just being with nature.
Guest Column Win $200 for stories published!
Share your fondest memories and stories. Win $200 for stories published. Visit countrylines.com/community to submit.
The A ordable Geothermal System
Well-Connect is a hybrid geothermal heat pump for the rural homeowner that has a well and heats with propane, fuel oil or wood. It works with your existing furnace, it does not replace it.
Similar to how a hybrid vehicle greatly reduces the need for gasoline, doubling a vehicle’s e ciency, a Well-Connect greatly reduces the amount of propane needed to heat a home and quadruples the e ciency of the home’s heating system. This hybrid approach saves a homeowner 50% - 75% on the heating costs and provides air-conditioning for pennies a day.
Geothermal e ciency for the price of an air source heat pump
