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MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES

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TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE

Geothermal. It’s easier than ever to score big with the nation’s best incentives.

WaterFurnace geothermal units use the stored energy in your backyard to provide luxurious comfort and dramatic savings on heating, cooling, and hot water. They’re 2x more efficient and last 40% longer (25 yrs with geo vs 18 yrs with ordinary) than any other HVAC system. Plus, many state, local, and utility programs offer incentives to lower installation costs. It’s never been easier to switch!

Visit waterfurnace.com to learn how to turn “Too Good To Be True” into “True.”

Allendale

Allendale Htg & Clg (800) 327-1937 allendaleheating.com

Berrien Springs

WaterFurnace Michiana (269) 473-5667 gogreenmichgeothermal.com

Big Rapids Stratz Htg & Clg, Inc. (231) 796-3717 stratzgeocomfort.com

Cadillac Wilder Htg & Clg (231) 645-4822 Wilderheatingandcooling.com

Filion/Bad Axe Air-O-Dynamic Htg & Clg (989) 582-0137 aod-hvac.com

Gaylord Family Plmb & Htg (989) 732-8099 familyplumbingandheating.com

Grand Rapids

Bel Aire Htg & Clg 1 (888) 235-2473 belaire.com

Hart

Adams Htg & Clg (231) 873-2665 adamsgeothermal-mi.com

Holland

G.H.P. Systems Inc. (616) 396-5833 ghpsystems-inc.com

Indian River M&M Plmb & Htg (231) 238-7201 mm-plumbing.com

Lansing Candor Mechanical (517) 920-0890 candormechanical.com

Michigan Center Comfort 1/Aire Serv of Southern Michigan (517) 764-1500 airserv.com/southern-michigan

Mt Pleasant

Walton Htg & Clg (989)772-4822 waltonheating.com

Muskegon TMC Mechanical LLC (231)865-1114 www.tmcmechanicalllc.com

Portage Bel Aire Htg & Clg 1 (888) 235-2473 belaire.com

Portland

ESI Htg & Clg (517) 647-6906 esiheating.com

Sparta West Michigan Geothermal (616) 887-1290 Westmigeothermal.com

Sunfield

Mark Woodman Plmb & Htg (517) 886-1138 mwphonline.com

Three Rivers

Bel Aire Htg & Clg

1 (888) 235-2473 belaire.com

Traverse City Geofurnace Htg & Clg (231) 943-1000 geofurnace.com

CO-OP REBATE INCENTIVES

$2,250 rebate available through your co-op.

EXECUTIVE EDITOR: Casey Clark

EDITOR: Christine Dorr

GRAPHIC DESIGNER: Karreen Bird

RECIPE EDITOR: Christin Russman

COPY EDITOR: Yvette Pecha

CONTRIBUTING EDITOR: Emily Haines Lloyd

PUBLISHER: Michigan Electric Cooperative Association

Michigan Country Lines, USPS591-710, is published monthly, except August and December, with periodicals postage paid at Lansing, Mich., and additional offices. It is the official publication of the Michigan Electric Cooperative Association, 201 Townsend St., Suite 900, Lansing, MI 48933.

Subscriptions are authorized for members of Alger Delta, Cherryland, Great Lakes, HomeWorks Tri-County, Midwest Energy & Communications, Ontonagon, Presque Isle, and Thumb electric cooperatives by their boards of directors.

POSTMASTER:

Send all UAA to CFS.

ASSOCIATION OFFICERS: Chris O’Neill, HomeWorks TriCounty Cooperative, chairman; Gabe Schneider, Cherryland Electric Cooperative, vice chairman; Shaun Lamp, Great Lakes Energy Cooperative, secretary-treasurer; John Kran, president and CEO.

CONTACT US/LETTERS TO EDITOR: Michigan Country Lines 201 Townsend St., Suite 900 Lansing, MI 48933 248-534-7358 editor@countrylines.com

CHANGE OF ADDRESS: Please notify your electric cooperative. See page 4 for contact information.

The appearance of advertising does not constitute an endorsement of the products or services advertised.

MICHIGAN’S ELECTRIC COOPERATIVES MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES

6 SMART, SIMPLE WAYS TO SAVE ENERGY AT HOME

MI CO-OP Community

RECIPE CONTEST

See details on page 10. Pizza, due July 1; Autumn Comfort Foods, due Aug. 1. Win a $100 bill credit!

GUEST COLUMN

See details on page 18. Share your fondest memories and stories. Win $200 for stories published!

To enter contests, submit reader content & more, visit countrylines.com/community

Low-cost tips that can lower your bills and boost comfort.

7 GRILLING SAFETY TIPS

Avoid common mistakes and set yourself up for a safer, more enjoyable experience.

10 MI CO-OP KITCHEN

Grilled to Perfection: Fire meets ﬂavor.

14 STITCH BY STITCH: THE QUILTED LIFE OF RUTH ANN BERRY

This gifted geometrical quilter turns intimidating designs into attainable projects.

18 GUEST COLUMN

A Member Memory: By Gregg Smith, a Great Lakes Energy Cooperative member.

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

Dean Adams, Treasurer 231-642-0014

dadams@cherrylandelectric.coop

Terry Lautner, Director 231-883-6455

tlautner@cherrylandelectric.coop

David Schweitzer, Director 231-883-5860

dschweitzer@cherrylandelectric.coop

Tom Van Pelt, Director 231-386-5234

tvanpelt@cherrylandelectric.coop

CEO

Rachel Johnson

CO-OP EDITOR: Courtney Doyle: cdoyle@cherrylandelectric.coop

OFFICE HOURS

Monday–Thursday 6:30 a.m.–5 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’s 88th Annual Meeting Scheduled for June 11

Cherryland’s 88th Annual Meeting will take place Thursday, June 11, from 4–8 p.m. at Incredible Mo’s in Grawn. For more information about this year’s event, find updates and details on our website and social media.

Cherryland Scholarships Awarded to Four Local Students

Three high school seniors and one adult student received 2026 Cherryland Electric Cooperative scholarships. The three high school scholarships are worth $4,000 each. The adult scholarship is an award of $2,000.

Student scholarship recipients:

Evelyn Appier (Traverse City Central), Evelyn Burtt (Traverse City West), and Jack Matchett (Traverse City Central).

Adult scholarship recipient: Abby Niessink of Suttons Bay.

Cherryland Office Closings and Summer Hours

From June 1 through Sept. 4, the cooperative office will be open Monday through Thursday from 6:30 a.m.–5 p.m. These extended hours help to increase operational efficiency in the field and provide a larger window of time for members to take advantage of our in-person member services.

The Cherryland office will be closed Thursday, July 2, in observance of Independence Day. Normal summer business hours will resume Monday, July 6.

The office will be closed Monday, Sept. 7 in observance of Labor Day, resuming traditional office hours (Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m.–4 p.m.) on Tuesday, Sept. 8.

Additional reminders and more information about the scheduling change will be shared in Michigan Country Lines, on social media, and via e-mail.

During office closures, line crews are always on call to respond to any outages or emergencies. You can report an outage by texting OUT to 800-442-8616, logging into SmartHub, or calling us at 231-486-9200.

Cherryland Cares Awards $15,000 to Five Nonprofits

At its first-quarter board meeting, the Cherryland Cares board awarded grants to the Grand Traverse Dyslexia Association, TART Trails, Inc., Munson Healthcare Foundations, Salvation Army Traverse City, and Goodwill Northern Michigan. Cherryland Cares awarded a total of $15,365 in grants to these area nonprofit agencies.

The Cherryland Cares board is comprised of five volunteer Cherryland members. The funds distributed by Cherryland Cares come from 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.

MANISTEE WEXFORD

Showing Up

By Rachel Johnson, Cherryland CEO

Every June, something happens that I don’t think gets enough credit.

A thousand Cherryland members show up.

They drive in from Northport, from Manistee, from all across northern Michigan. They vote in our board election. They listen to a state of the cooperative address. They ask hard questions and expect real answers. Then they take their kids to bowl and eat too much pasta and cookies, and somehow all of that together is exactly what a cooperative is supposed to look like.

I never take that for granted.

Most electric customers in Michigan have no equivalent moment. No vote. No room to walk into. No CEO they can connect with by the arcade with a question about their bill. They are customers of a company that owes them power and not much else.

You are members of a cooperative that owes you something harder to deliver—genuine transparency and accountability. And every June, you show up to collect it. I love that about us.

My first job at Cherryland was building our social media presence. I believed in it—the idea that a cooperative could show up online and have real conversations with real members. I still believe in that, and we still see plenty of it. Members who share kind words after a storm. People who ask thoughtful questions because they genuinely want to understand. Folks who hold us accountable and engage in productive, honest ways. That matters, and I’m grateful for it.

But the overall tone of those spaces has changed. Too often, it feels like people aren’t looking for answers; they’re looking for somewhere to deposit frustration. Social media has become less about dialogue and more about grievances, regardless of truth. I’ll be honest—that breaks my heart a little.

While I can’t salvage the state of civility on social media, I’m also not willing to give up on our core values of transparency and engagement. Which is part of why the Annual Meeting matters more to me than ever. In a world where we’re constantly battered by vitriol, half-truths, and mistruths, this is our chance to come together. To ask hard questions, disagree in good faith, and actually listen to each other.

We have a lot to discuss at our Annual Meeting this year. The world in which we operate your cooperative is increasingly complex. Reliability requires long-term investment in both power supply and your local

grid. Affordability is under pressure from inflation, supply chains, and regulation. The choices we make over the next decade will shape your electric service for years to come.

There’s a lot to cover. And there’s more coming this summer that I’m genuinely excited to share with you.

For now, I hope to see you at Incredible Mo’s on June 11. Come with your questions. Come with your skepticism. Come for the food.

Just show up and engage thoughtfully with us. You’re good at it.

To hear more, listen to the Co-op Energy Talk Podcast

Smart, Simple Ways to Save Energy at Home

Saving energy doesn’t have to cost a lot—or take a lot of time. You don’t need major upgrades or the latest technology to see a difference. Even small changes can lower your energy use and improve comfort, especially if you’re on a tight budget. Here are some easy, low-, and no-cost tips to help you get started:

ADJUST YOUR THERMOSTAT

A few degrees can make a big difference. Set your thermostat slightly closer to the outdoor temperature—especially on very hot or cold days. Your heating and cooling system works hardest during extremes, which can drive up energy use. Stay comfortable by dressing for the season: Layer up in winter and switch to lighter clothing in summer.

FIX LEAKS PROMPTLY

A dripping faucet or hot water leak may seem minor, but it adds up to wasted energy and water over time. If you can’t ﬁ x it right away, use the shutoff valve under the sink to stop the ﬂ ow until repairs can be made.

LOWER YOUR WATER HEATER TEMPERATURE

Turning down your water heater can reduce energy use and save money. Some models make this adjustment simple, while others may require a bit more effort. If you’re unsure, it’s best to consult a professional.

SEAL AIR LEAKS

Air sealing is an affordable, beginnerfriendly DIY project that can improve comfort and eﬃ ciency. With about $20 and a couple of hours, you can seal gaps and cracks that let air escape or enter your home.

Use caulk (around $4 per tube) to seal gaps around windows and exterior doors. Choose paintable caulk for a clean ﬁnish. Apply spray foam (about $5 per can) around plumbing lines under sinks or in basements and crawlspaces to block drafts. Bonus: It also helps keep pests out.

Quick Tip: Spray foam can be messy— wear gloves, protect surfaces, and be careful when applying overhead. Prep your workspace ahead of time for best results.

WASH CLOTHES IN COLD WATER

Heating water uses a signiﬁ cant amount of energy. Switching to cold water for laundry is an easy way to cut back—especially helpful if you have an older or topload washer that uses more water.

For $10–$15, weatherstripping can improve the seal around exterior doors. If you notice drafts or see light coming through closed doors, this quick ﬁx can make a noticeable difference.

Small changes make a diﬀerence.

Small steps like these can add up to meaningful savings. Try a few of these simple improvements to reduce energy waste, lower your bills, and make your home more comfortable year-round.

Grilling SAFETY TIPS

Warm weather is the perfect excuse to ﬁre up the grill and gather friends and family for a backyard cookout. But before you get cooking, it’s worth brushing up on a few key grilling safety tips. Avoid common mistakes and you’ll set yourself up for a safer, more enjoyable experience.

1. Start with a Stable Setup

Always place your grill on a ﬂat, level surface to prevent tipping. Skip uneven ground or sloped areas, and opt for a solid surface like concrete or stone.

2. Stay Close While Cooking

Never leave a lit grill unattended. Keep children and pets at least three feet away, and remain nearby while cooking—even after you’ve ﬁ nished, as surfaces stay hot.

3. Give It Space

Position your grill at least 10 feet away from your home, garage, deck railings, or overhanging branches. Open space reduces the risk of stray embers starting a ﬁre. And don’t forget to use long-handled tools designed for grilling.

4. Grill Outdoors Only

Grills should never be used indoors or in enclosed spaces like garages. They produce carbon monoxide, an invisible, odorless gas that can be deadly. If the weather isn’t cooperating, opt for an indoor grill pan instead.

5. Keep It Clean

A clean grill isn’t just about bettertasting food—it’s also safer. Grease and fat buildup can lead to dangerous ﬂare-ups. Clean the grates after every use and regularly empty drip trays.

6. Don’t Overcrowd the Grill

Packing too much food onto the grill at once can cause excess fat to drip into the ﬂames, increasing ﬂare-ups. Cook in batches, especially when preparing fatty meats.

7. Use a Meat Thermometer

Don’t rely on guesswork. A meat thermometer ensures your food reaches safe internal temperatures, helping prevent foodborne illness.

8. Light Gas Grills Safely

Always open the lid before lighting a gas grill. Lighting it while closed can cause gas to build up and ignite in a sudden fi reball. If the flame goes out, turn everything off and wait at least fi ve minutes before relighting.

9. Check for Gas Leaks

Inspect your propane hose periodically. Apply soapy water and turn on the gas—if bubbles form, you may have a leak that needs attention.

10. Handle Charcoal with Care

Avoid using lighter fl uid excessively— it can affect the taste of your food and lead to uncontrolled flames. Never add lighter fl uid to already lit coals. Instead, use a charcoal chimney starter for a safer approach.

11. Be Ready for Emergencies

Keep baking soda nearby to manage grease fires and have a fire extinguisher within reach. Never use water on a grease fire—it can make things worse.

12. Shut Down Properly

When you’re done cooking, turn off gas burners and close the propane valve. For charcoal grills, close the vents to cut off oxygen. Let coals cool completely before disposing of them in a metal container.

By following these simple safety tips, you can keep the focus where it belongs—on great food, good company, and enjoying the season. A little preparation goes a long way in preventing accidents, so you can grill with conﬁdence all summer long.

Cool Savings for Summer

As temperatures rise, keeping your home comfortable doesn’t have to mean higher energy use. Today’s technology offers more efficient options than ever, and Cherryland Electric Cooperative is offering rebates designed to help you take the next step in making your home more energy efficient. Whether you’re upgrading equipment or improving the performance of your current system, there are rebate options for you.

ENERGY STAR® Room Air Conditioners

If you rely on a room air conditioner, upgrading to an ENERGY STAR® certified model can make a noticeable difference. These units use less electricity while delivering reliable cooling and improved humidity control. Newer room air conditioners also often include programmable settings that help reduce wasted energy.

COOL SAVINGS FOR SUMMER

High-Efficiency Central Air Systems

If you’re buying a new central air system or replacing an older one, a high-efficiency model can lower your energy use. These systems cool well while using less electricity, especially with well-maintained ducts and a programmable thermostat.

Mini-Split Heat Pumps

Mini-split heat pumps are an excellent option for homes, additions, garages, and spaces without ductwork. These systems provide efficient cooling in the summer and can also deliver supplemental heating during cooler months. Because they allow for zoned temperature control, mini-splits can help reduce energy waste by cooling only the areas you use most.

Air Conditioner Tune-Ups

Sometimes improving efficiency is as simple as maintaining the equipment

you already have. Professional air conditioner tune-ups can improve performance, extend the life of your system, and help identify small issues before they become costly repairs. A properly maintained system runs more efficiently, which can lead to lower energy use and better comfort throughout the summer season.

Energy-efficient cooling upgrades are an investment in comfort, savings, and long-term performance. From small improvements like tune-ups to larger upgrades such as high-efficiency systems or mini-split heat pumps, rebates through Cherryland Electric Cooperative can help make energysaving choices more affordable.

Each rebate has specific requirements and qualifications; please review the details on our website at cherrylandelectric.coop/energyrebates before you get started.

Start summer right by saving energy and money with rebates on energy efficient cooling.

Cherryland Electric Cooperative offers rebates on energy-efficient cooling to help keep you comfortable for less this summer.

Rebates are available for:

• Central AC Units

• Room Air Conditioners

• AC Tune-Ups

• Mini-Split Heat Pumps

Visit cherrylandelectric.coop/rebates to learn more about rebates and energy programs.

Summer Comfort

Energy Efficiency

Scan the QR code to view eligible rebates or visit cherrylandelectric.coop/rebates

Powered By The Sun:

MEMBER-OWNED SOLAR AT CHERRYLAND

Solar looks a little different for everyone—and that’s exactly why your co-op offers more than one way to be part of it.

Whether you want to install panels at home or harness the sun’s renewable energy without putting anything on your roof, there’s a solar option to fit your needs. There’s no one-size-fitsall approach to energy, so Cherryland’s suite of solar offerings lets you choose what works best for your home, your budget, and your life.

Rays Your Way—Cherryland’s Solar Offerings:

COMMUNITY SOLAR

All the benefits of rooftop solar, without solar panels on your rooftop! Members can subscribe to a shared solar array and receive bill credits based on their portion of the energy it produces.

LARGE RENEWABLE

Built for members with bigger energy needs—like farms, businesses, or large homes. This option works similarly to net metering but is designed for larger solar systems that help offset higher electric use.

Interested In Going Solar?

Give us a call or visit our website! Before you start turning that summer sun into power for your home, be sure to make sure your project meets important safety and interconnection standards. Our energy use advisor can walk you through the whole process and make sure you’re on the right track.

BUY-ALL SELL-ALL

You install solar panels on your property, and we purchase all of the electricity your system produces. Your home continues to use power from the grid like normal, and your solar production helps offset your bill.

NET-METERING

Use the power you produce! Your solar panels help power your house first, and if you make extra energy, we’ll credit you for what goes back to the grid.

JUST ADD SUNSHINE:

Cherryland members own nearly 4.5 MW worth of home solar systems!

WINNING RECIPE!

GRILLED TO PERFECTION

Salmon:

GRILLED SALMON WITH PINEAPPLE SALSA

Carmela Sleva, Great Lakes Energy

1 8-ounce salmon ﬁllet

1 tablespoon olive oil

¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper

½ teaspoon chili powder

½ teaspoon garlic powder

¼ teaspoon salt

¹⁄8–¼ teaspoon black pepper

• juice from one lime

Salsa:

2 cups chopped pineapple

½ cup ﬁ nely chopped red onion

¼ cup ﬁ nely chopped cilantro

1 jalapeño, chopped (use seeds for extra spice)

• juice from one lime

½ teaspoon chili powder

¼ teaspoon salt

¹⁄8 teaspoon black pepper

Preheat a grill to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grates. Coat the salmon fi llet with olive oil and season evenly with cayenne pepper, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Place the salmon skin-side down on the grill, cover, and cook for 6–8 minutes. Carefully ﬂ ip and grill for an additional 2 minutes, or until cooked through. Alternatively, wrap the salmon in aluminum foil and grill for 14–16 minutes. While the salmon cooks, combine the chopped pineapple, red onion, cilantro, and jalapeño in a medium bowl. Season with lime juice, chili powder, salt, and black pepper, then stir well. Remove the salmon from the grill, squeeze fresh lime juice over the top, and serve with the pineapple salsa alongside rice or warm tortillas.

DELUXE GRILLED PORK CHOPS

Deb Finedell, Great Lakes Energy

¼ cup honey

½ cup soy sauce

2 garlic cloves, minced

¼ teaspoon red pepper ﬂakes, or more

4 boneless pork chops

In a large shallow bowl, add the honey, soy sauce, garlic cloves, and red pepper ﬂ akes. Mix well until fully blended. Add the pork chops and turn to coat them evenly in the marinade. Cover and

refrigerate for at least 30 minutes and up to 2 hours, stirring occasionally to keep the pork well coated. Preheat a grill to medium-high heat, then remove the pork chops from the marinade and place them on the grill. Cook for about 8 minutes per side, or until the pork is well seared and cooked through. Remove from the grill and let the pork chops rest for 5 minutes before serving, then serve immediately.

TRIPLE B (BACON BOURBON) BURGER

Scott Rought,

Cherryland

1 pound ground chuck

¾ cup ﬁ nely chopped bacon pieces (fully cooked)

• pinch of salt and black pepper

1 cup bourbon, any brand

²⁄3 cup ketchup

½ cup brown sugar

2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce

1 tablespoon lemon juice

¼ cup red wine vinegar

8 pineapple slices, canned

4 slices of Italian (5-cheese) or cheddar cheese, optional

4 burger buns (sesame seed)

4 slices of tomato

4 leaves of lettuce

Sauce Thickener:

2 tablespoons cornstarch

¼ cup cold water

4 ice cubes

In a large bowl, combine the ground chuck, chopped cooked bacon, salt, and pepper, and mix well before forming the mixture into four equal burger patties, then set aside. In a small saucepan, combine the bourbon, ketchup, brown

sugar, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, and red wine vinegar, and cook over medium-high heat for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce reduces slightly. In a separate small cup, mix the cornstarch, cold water, and ice cubes to create a slurry, then slowly pour the liquid (holding back the ice cubes) into the sauce while stirring, and continue cooking until the sauce comes to a light boil and thickens, then remove from heat and let cool, stirring occasionally. Preheat a grill to medium heat, then baste the burger patties and pineapple slices generously with the bourbon sauce. Grill the burger patties over medium heat until cooked through, and grill the pineapple slices for about 2 minutes per side. If desired, place a slice of cheese on each burger patty during the last minute of cooking to allow it to melt. To assemble, place one burger patty on each bun, top with one or two pineapple slices, a slice of tomato, and a lettuce leaf, then add additional bourbon sauce if desired before serving.

GRILLED TOMATOES WITH MELTED MOZZARELLA

Jennie Lewandowski, Presque Isle Electric & Gas

4 large fresh tomatoes

2 tablespoons olive oil

½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)

¼ teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

• fresh basil, optional

Preheat a grill to medium heat, then slice the tomatoes into thick slices, about ½ inch thick, and arrange them on a tray or plate. Drizzle the tomato slices evenly

with olive oil, then sprinkle with salt, black pepper, and dried oregano. Top each slice with shredded mozzarella cheese, then place the tomato slices on the grill and cook for 5 to 8 minutes, or until the tomatoes are tender and the cheese is melted. Remove from the grill and top with fresh basil, if desired, then serve warm as a simple side dish or enjoy on toasted bread like bruschetta.

Co-ops On Capitol Hill

In April, Cherryland CEO Rachel Johnson, Executive Administrative Assistant Shannon Beery, and Board President Gabe Schneider spent time advocating for the needs of electric cooperative members on Capitol Hill, alongside 1,500 leaders from electric co-ops across the country.

During the visit, they talked one-on-one with Michigan legislators to highlight a couple of key priorities:

1. FEMA Reform: Electric cooperatives are supporting bipartisan FEMA reform legislation aimed at making disaster recovery faster, clearer, and more predictable for rural utilities and the members they serve. The legislation would streamline reimbursement timelines, improve access to resiliency funding, and recognize the financing costs utilities carry while waiting for FEMA decisions. For members, that means faster recovery after severe weather and less pressure on electric rates when big storms hit.

2. Permitting Reform: There’s a lot of red tape when it comes to the federal permitting process for power plants and transmission lines. The process can delay power projects for years and drives up the cost of those projects at a time we need power supply to keep up with growing demand. For members, that means keeping power projects on track so we can keep the lights on.

The Quilted Life of Ruth Ann Berry

hen Ruth Ann Berry bought her Fife Lake building on the corner of State and Main in 1998, in Fife Lake, Michigan, she could not have known all it would one day hold.

What had long been a pharmacy would gradually become home to her quilt shop and workshop, then adding a barber shop, and eventually also including her daughter’s coffee shop. The historic building, dating back to the early 1900s, has a hard concrete foundation and three layers of old wood ﬂ oors. It has endured by being both sturdy and adaptable.

In many ways, so has Berry.

Known in quilting circles as a “geometric quilter,” Berry has built a creative life on both tradition and

reinvention. Quilting has been part of her world for as long as she can remember. She comes from a long line of quilters, including her mother and grandmothers, women who made practical quilts from scraps to keep their families warm.

Berry grew up sewing on her grandmother’s treadle machine and a Singer Featherweight that belonged to her mother. That early foundation stayed with her, but Berry made it distinctly her own.

Finding Her Pattern

Today, Berry is the owner of Quilter’s Clinic, a destination quilt shop in Fife Lake known for bold fabrics, striking kits, and Berry’s own patterns and books. She is the author of “Bargello Quilts in Motion,” “Braided Bargello,”

By Emily Haines Lloyd

“Simpliﬁ ed 3D Quilts,” and “Stunning 3D Quilts Simpliﬁ ed,” and she has created more than 50 quilt patterns distributed widely in the quilting world.

Her signature style leans into geometry and optical movement.

Bargello quilts ﬁ rst caught her attention because they looked dramatic and complex, but Berry quickly discovered they were more approachable than they appeared. That balance between impressive and accessible became her calling card.

“Just when I think there isn’t anything new to do, here’s an idea,” Berry said. “There’s always something around the corner.”

She began experimenting, sketching on graph paper, testing patterns, and writing down each step. Friends urged

her to submit her ideas to publishers. Eventually, one design found a home, then another.

Again and again, her work returns to the same challenge: how to take something that looks diﬃ cult and make it feel doable.

Teaching the Joy of It

That instinct to demystify quilting carries over into her teaching. In the studio above the shop, Berry leads classes for quilters of all experience levels. What she enjoys most is the moment when a student realizes something is easier than they feared.

“Don’t be afraid,” she tells her students. “That’s the biggest thing.”

Berry knows quilting can look intimidating, especially the dimensional, geometric work she creates. But she also knows encouragement matters. She likes explaining a technique and hearing someone say, with surprise, that it is easier than they thought. For her, that moment of conﬁ dence is part of the reward.

A Language of Its Own

Berry has taught on the road for more than a decade, traveling to guilds, shows, and retreats across the country and beyond, including England and France. One of the things she loves most is that quilting creates its own language. Even when language barriers pop up, makers understand one another through both pattern and process.

“The fun part is, even if you don’t speak French, you speak quilting,” Berry said.

Layer by Layer

What keeps Berry going, even after decades of quilting, designing, and teaching, is the creative pull of what comes next. On her computer, there are often multiple designs open at once, each one asking to be solved.

Back in that old building in Fife Lake, those ideas keep taking shape. Like the structure itself, Berry’s life in quilting has been built layer by layer: on a solid base, with room to grow.

What she bought in 1998 was a building. What she built inside it is much like her quilts: beautifully imagined, carefully pieced together, and still surprising her after all these years.

Your Board In Action

April 2026

• The board of directors reviewed a long-term financial forecast tied to Cherryland’s five-year reliability investment plan, including system upgrades and the new headquarters project. The forecast showed the cooperative can make these investments while keeping rates stable and below statewide averages.

• The board received a safety update highlighting Cherryland’s response to this spring’s severe weather, ice storms, and flooding. Despite these conditions, Cherryland reported no major safety incidents involving employees or members, underscoring the cooperative’s strong safety culture.

• The board reappointed Rebecca Sanford to continue serving on the Cherryland Cares board. Cherryland Cares is the cooperative’s voluntary program, where participating members round their monthly bill to the nearest dollar to help fund grants for local community needs.

R EM EM B ER T O V O T E! Vote in the 2026 Cherryland Electric Cooperative election online or by mail until 12 p.m. on June 10 OR in person at the Annual Meeting from 4 to 5:30 p.m. on June 11

FRESH FROM THE GARDEN

1. MOST VOTES Julie Witkowski— “Strawberry picking!”

2. Greg Fassenden— “Pretty peppers!”

3. Jalyn Morgan—“Freshly picked market bouquets.”

4. Kim Glew—“Ready for picking.”

5. Cathy McKinley— “Perennials and vegetables, a beautiful bounty!”

6. Laurie Johnston—“Pretty in pink.”

Enter to win up to $200 off your energy bill!

Submit Your “Iconic Landmarks”

Photos By July 25! 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 July theme is Iconic Landmarks! Photos can be submitted through July 25 to be featured in our September 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 2026, you will be entered to win a credit of up to $200 on your December 2026 bill.

August 1963, U.S. Na l Academy, Annap is, Maryland.

A Member Memory

By Gregg Smith, a Great Lakes Energy Cooperative member

As a member of the fourth-class (plebe) midshipman summer class of 1967, little did I imagine how catastrophic world events would soon impact my life.

We had just assembled for evening meal formation in Tecumseh Court on a hot, humid summer eve. Suddenly, a helicopter approached, ﬂ ew low over the academy, and landed in nearby Farragut Field.

With no fanfare, President John F. Kennedy exited the chopper and made the short walk to where we were assembled. That this was a surprise visit became very apparent, as naval brass scurried to quickly assemble a speaker’s dais on the steps of Bancroft Hall. For plebes, it was rather humorous to see oﬃ cers scramble, something we’d been doing daily that summer.

While all this was unfolding, President Kennedy inspected each of the companies of assembled midshipmen, then delivered a few succinct remarks. Though that was 63 years ago, his pride in young men joining the service where he had served as a PT boat skipper in WWII was evident and remains resonant today.

With that, he returned to the capital.

Three months later, he was struck down by an assassin in Dallas, Texas.

As plans for his national memorial unfolded, the Kennedy family reached out to the Academy Catholic Choir to participate in the service. Several selections were to be sung on the front lawn of the White House as the

president’s funeral procession wended its way along the capital streets lined by thousands, and as millions looked on via worldwide coverage.

As a choir member, I still vividly recall standing on the White House’s front lawn, while directly in front of us stood an assemblage of world leaders. The horse-drawn caisson/casket, Kennedy family members, military guard, and entourage passed between the White House and us as we sang the three pieces requested by the family.

As a 19-year-old midshipman, that experience left a lifelong mark. And now, as our oldest grandson expresses an interest in the Academy, a rekindled recall of the time we sang for our country and president.

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