June 2026 GLE

MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES

Coming Soon: Director Elections

Empowering Communities Through Education

Marking A Major Lineworker Milestone

The Quilted Life of Ruth AnnBerry

TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE

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

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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

Howard Bowersox, Chair, District 8 219-670-0977 hbowersox@glenergy.com

Janet Andersen, Vice Chair, District 6 231-690-4622 jandersen@glenergy.com

Paul Byl, Secretary, District 7 231-742-2643 pbyl@glenergy.com

Dale Farrier, Treasurer, District 5 231-564-0853 dfarrier@glenergy.com

Mark Carson, Director, District 2 231-675-0561 mcarson@glenergy.com

David Coveyou, Director, District 1 231-347-4056 dcoveyou@glenergy.com

Richard Evans, Director, District 3 231-883-3146 revans@glenergy.com

John LaForge, Director, District 9 269-623-2284 jlaforge@glenergy.com

Mary O’Connell, Director, District 4 517-974-5797 moconnell@glenergy.com

PRESIDENT/CEO: Shaun Lamp

888-485-2537

BOYNE CITY HEADQUARTERS 1323 Boyne Ave. Boyne City, MI 49712

Call center hours: 7 a.m.–5:30 p.m. M–F Phone: 888-485-2537 Email: glenergy@glenergy.com

TO REPORT AN OUTAGE: Call 888-485-2537 or login to your account at gtlakes.com or the GLE mobile app.

Change of Address: 888-485-2537, ext. 8924

Great Lakes Energy is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

Empowering Communities Through Education

By Shaun Lamp, Great Lakes Energy President/CEO

June is a meaningful time of year, a season for marking milestones, celebrating achievements, and looking ahead with hope for all that lies ahead for this year’s graduates. Across our communities, the role of local community support in shaping our young people’s growth and success is truly inspiring.

The cooperative guiding principle of “concern for community” isn’t just something we talk about at GLE; it’s something we live every day. Our members aren’t just customers; they’re neighbors, coworkers, and friends. That’s why we remain deeply committed to strengthening the communities we all call home. Our youth- and education-focused programs are among the most meaningful ways we bring that commitment to life.

Each year, we proudly award scholarships to students pursuing degrees in electrical engineering or information technology. We also support up to six students enrolled in a pre-apprentice lineworker training program with scholarships.

By supporting students entering all three of these fields, we’re not only helping open doors to rewarding careers but also encouraging and supporting the next generation of professionals who will help ensure the long-term reliability and resilience of our electric system.

We also support education in our local schools through our Classroom

Grant program. Schools in our service area that educate children of GLE members can receive a grant of up to $2,000 to fund innovative programs, especially those involving technology or equipment that enriches students’ learning experiences. These grants empower educators to bring fresh, engaging opportunities into their classrooms, creating a lasting impact on students.

GLE also invests in future community and business leaders through the Youth Tour program. The program offers high school sophomores and juniors a unique opportunity to travel to Washington, D.C., where they learn about American history, government, and the electric cooperative industry. Participants also develop leadership skills, connect with peers from across the country, and engage with elected officials and policymakers. It’s an experience that often broadens perspectives and builds confidence.

As we celebrate this year’s graduates, I’m reminded that growth, both personal and collective, is possible when people feel supported and encouraged to keep learning and moving forward. From classrooms to training centers, from lecture halls to utility poles, the next generation is stepping forward with energy, determination, and promise.

On behalf of all of us at Great Lakes Energy, congratulations to this year’s graduates. We are proud of you, we believe in you, and we are honored to support your journey as you help power the future of our communities.

To learn more about the many youthfocused programs GLE offers, visit gtlake.com/youth-programs/.

IT’S TIME TO VOTE

For a Board Member

Next month, Great Lakes Energy members in three director districts will receive a mail-in ballot with their July/August issue of Michigan Country Lines. These ballots will also include instructions on how members can cast their votes online.

Three board positions, each for three years, will need to be filled. Qualifying GLE members who reside in districts 3, 4, and 5 can seek election to the board and will be listed on the members’ respective ballots.

Counties by district are:

District 3 – Antrim County

District 4 – Crawford, Montmorency, Oscoda, and Otsego counties

District 5 – Grand Traverse, Kalkaska, Manistee, Missaukee, and Wexford counties

The terms of directors Ric Evans of Ellsworth (District 3), Mary O’Connell of Gaylord (District 4), and Dale Farrier of Kalkaska (District 5) expire this year. The three incumbents plan to seek reelection.

In addition to the mail-in ballot and online voting instructions, the candidates’ profiles will appear in the July/August election issue of Country Lines that will be sent to members in Districts 3, 4, and 5. Profiles will also be available in the online version of the July/August issue, which will be available at countrylines.com/ my-co-op/great-lakes/ and on the online voting portal.

Winners will be announced on Wednesday, Aug. 26, 2026, at the cooperative’s annual business meeting.

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.

Spring into Savings with an AC Tune-Up

A regular air conditioning tune-up is one of the best ways to prepare your home for warmer weather. Even when your system appears to be running normally, routine maintenance can improve performance, efficiency, and reliability before summer demand puts extra strain on your equipment.

Improve Efficiency

Over time, normal wear and tear can reduce your system’s performance, even if everything seems to be working fine. A professional tune-up ensures your A/C is operating efficiently before the hottest months of the year. Scheduling an air conditioning tune-up is one of the simplest ways to protect your comfort and your investment.

Lower Energy Costs

When components are clean, properly adjusted, and running smoothly, your system doesn’t have to work as hard to cool your home. This improved efficiency can reduce energy use, which may lead to lower electric bills.

Fewer Unexpected and Costly Breakdowns

During a tune-up, a trained technician can identify minor issues before they turn into major, costly repairs. Catching problems early can help avoid inconvenient system failures when you need cooling the most.

Regular tune-ups can extend the life of your air conditioning system. Just like a car that receives routine maintenance, an A/C system that’s properly cared for tends to last longer and perform more reliably. This can delay the need for a costly replacement and help you get the most value from your equipment.

To make routine maintenance even more worthwhile, qualifying A/C tune-ups are eligible for a rebate credited directly to your electric bill. This incentive helps offset the cost of maintenance while encouraging energy-efficient operation.

Visit gtlakes.com/energy-wise to learn more about all the rebates and energy-savings incentives Great Lakes Energy is offering.

COMFORT THAT PAYS YOU BACK.

Get Your System Ready for Warmer Days and Earn a Rebate on Your Energy Bill!

Benefits of regular maintenance include:

• Improved system efficiency

• Reduced energy use

• Fewer unexpected and costly breakdowns

Complete a qualifying A/C tune-up this spring and receive a rebate credited directly to your Great Lakes Energy bill. Visit gtlakes.com/energy-wise for more information on rebates and to view all available energy-saving incentives!

With an A/C Tune-Up

Scan the QR code to view eligible rebates or visit gtlakes.com/energy-wise/

FRESH FROM THE GARDEN

1.MOST VOTES Clam Lake waterfront beauty, Jennifer Matkovich, Bellaire

2. Look, Grandma, our first strawberry!, Lynne Jutila, Stanwood

3. What’s up, Doc?, Dawn Zimmerman, Fife Lake

4. Funny-shaped carrots still taste good!, Anita Percy, Boyne City

5. The cutest little pumpkin, Shalene Sommer, Central Lake

6. Hidden treasure, Beth Pipe, Baldwin

Enter to win a $200 energy bill credit!

Submit Your “Iconic Landmarks”

Photos By July 25! Each month, members can submit photos on our website for our photo contest. The photo with the most votes is published here, along with other selections.

How To Enter: 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 will be printed in an issue of Michigan Country Lines along with other favorites. All photos printed in the magazine in 2026 will be entered into a drawing to win a $200 bill credit in December 2026.

May Photo Contest Correction Notice

In our May issue, we regretfully printed the incorrect caption for this photo. To ensure appropriate recognition is given, here is the correct caption:

“A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush!” Stan Moore, Central Lake

WINNING RECIPE!

GRILLED TO PERFECTION

Salmon:

GRILLED SALMON WITH PINEAPPLE SALSA

Carmela Sleva, Great Lakes Energy

18-ouncesalmonfillet

1 tablespoon olive oil

¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper

½ teaspoon chili powder

½ teaspoon garlic powder

¼ teaspoon salt

¹⁄8–¼teaspoonblackpepper

• juice from one lime

Salsa:

2 cups chopped pineapple ½cupfinelychoppedredonion ¼cupfinelychoppedcilantro

1 jalapeño, chopped (use seeds for extra spice)

• juice from one lime

½ teaspoon chili powder

¼ teaspoon salt

¹⁄8teaspoonblackpepper

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.

Watch a video of this month’s winning recipe at micoopkitchen.com/videos

at micoopkitchen.com

DELUXE GRILLED PORK CHOPS

Deb Finedell, Great Lakes Energy

¼ cup honey

½ cup soy sauce

2 garlic cloves, minced ¼teaspoonredpepperflakes,ormore 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 ¾cupfinelychoppedbaconpieces (fully cooked)

• pinch of salt and black pepper

1 cup bourbon, any brand ²⁄3cupketchup

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.

Powering the Future Four GLE lineworkers graduate JMAP program

Four Great Lakes Energy apprentice lineworkers are celebrating a major career milestone after graduating from the Joint Michigan Apprentice Program in May, an achievement that highlights both their determination and the cooperative’s ongoing investment in its workforce.

For GLE, the success of these four individuals underscores a strong commitment to developing highly skilled lineworkers who help keep the lights on across its 26-county service area. These graduates have completed one of the most demanding training programs in the utility industry, positioning them to serve members with expertise, professionalism, and safety-first discipline.

Completing this program is a key step in becoming a journeyman lineworker, which is no small feat.

Once hired by GLE, an apprentice must complete 7,000 on-the-job learning hours under the guidance of a journeyman lineworker. They must also complete 320 hours of classroom, technical, and safety training and obtain a Class A commercial driver’s license.

The training includes essential skills such as pole climbing, equipment maintenance, electrical system construction, and troubleshooting outages. They also train extensively in safety protocols, which are critical in a field where crews often work at

heights, around high voltage, and in challenging weather conditions.

In addition to physical and technical demands, apprentices must demonstrate mental resilience, teamwork, and quick decisionmaking. Storm response exercises simulate real-world emergencies, preparing them to restore power safely and efficiently when communities need it most.

For the four GLE graduates, the journey required long hours, persistence, and a deep commitment to excellence.

What is JMAP?

The original apprentice training program was founded in 1983 in a partnership between GLE’s power supplier, Wolverine Power Cooperative, and IBEW Local 876. GLE served as the program’s management sponsor from 1999 to 2017, when Wolverine and Local 876 established JMAP and Wolverine purchased the former Baker College facility in Lake City to serve as the program’s training center. The training center includes a 30,000-square-foot building with seven classrooms, two large indoor training areas, and four unique lineworker training areas on the grounds. The curriculum includes:

Great Lakes Energy COO Shari Culver commended the recent graduates on their accomplishments.

“Investing in our employees is one of the keys to our success, but it takes a partnership. Being a lineman is a highly skilled job and these employees have put in the time and effort reach this important milestone. I congratulate them on their efforts and look forward to watching them succeed at GLE,” Shari said.

Today, GLE is not only one of JMAP’s 39 participating utilities, but GLE has had staff members serve on the program’s training committee and its board of governors.

To learn more about what it takes to become a journeyman lineworker, and the JMAP program, visit: michiganapprentices.com

GLE’s four 2026 JMAP graduates were among 26 from utilities across the state who were honored for their accomplishments at a ceremony at the JMAP training facility near Lake City on May 15. GLE’s graduates include:

in April 2021.

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.

Great Lakes Energy Cooperative Consolidated Balance Sheet*

As of Dec. 31, 2025

EQUITIES AND LIABILITIES

831,006,368

Great Lakes Energy Cooperative Consolidated Operating Statements*

For the years ended Dec. 31, 2025, and 2024

Building Community Connections

As your member-owned not-for-profit electric cooperative, Great Lakes Energy understands the important role we play in empowering you. Although our primary focus is providing you with the reliable electric and internet services you depend on, we also strive to connect with our members and the community in many other meaningful ways.

One of the ways is by supporting local youth educational programs:

GLE offers scholarships of $1,000–$2,500 for students pursuing careers in electrical engineering, information technology, or electrical linework.

Cooper Hall, of Lake City, was a 2025 recipient of a $2,500 scholarship from GLE. He is pursuing a degree in electrical power engineering from Michigan Technological University.

“My passion for this field was sparked by growing up in a small town, where I witnessed firsthand the evolving impact of alternative energy sources. I am eager to contribute to our changing society by helping shape a more sustainable future,” Cooper said. “This scholarship means a great deal to me, as I do not qualify for financial aid and rely heavily on scholarships to fund my education.”

Each year, we offer grants worth up to $2,000 to schools that educate children of GLE members to fund innovative programs, particularly those involving technology or equipment that will enrich students’ education. Since the program began in 2012, GLE has funded 239 projects.

One of the 2025 grant recipients was Montague High School, which received $1,500 for a Van de Graaff generator and circuit and electromagnet kits. “The new resources charged up our electricity unit with hands-on exploration, curiosity, and realworld application,” Montague High School teacher Chelsea Bender said.

GLE sends four high school sophomores or juniors to Washington, D.C., each year to participate in the Electric Cooperative Youth Tour. This trip gives students the chance to learn about leadership, civic engagement, and the cooperative spirit. Participants explore monuments and museums, meet with a member of Congress, and make lifelong friends with other students from across the country.

Naaman Looy, one of four GLEsponsored 2025 Youth Tour delegates, was selected to serve on the National Rural Electric Cooperative’s Youth Leadership Council. Naaman said the lessons he learned as a Youth Tour participant have already served him well in organizing his electrical safetyfocused service project.

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.

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 Well-Connect Duel Fuel Geothermal System

Yo u r Vo i ce .

Yo u r B o a rd o f Di re c to r s .

Yo u r C oo p e r ative .

Great Lakes Energy Directors Put Members First*

 Major system improvements in the last 20 years have provided increased value for all GLE members.

 GLE accomplishes more with less, ranking it as one of the most productive electric cooperatives nationwide 1

 Truestream, GLE's fiber-to-the-home project, is providing high-speed internet service to more than 30,000 residential and business subscribers and continues to grow.

 GLE is making investments in smart grid technology to ensure electric service remains reliable and affordable for members.

 Eight local offices deliver quick and courteous service

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*Directors are not appointed by management but rather are democratically elected by members to serve three-year terms. All directors are members who receive electric service from GLE.

1 Based on number of members per employee statistics compiled by the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association